Acid reflux occurs when partly digested food and stomach acid moves backward up the esophagus and may cause burning pain in the chest, bloating, belching and other unwanted digestive symptoms. In many instances, acid reflux may be controlled by eliminating certain foods from the diet and adding others that are known to be helpful in reducing pain and other symptoms.
Eat Small Meals
One of the ways of reducing acid reflux is to reduce the size of meals and increase their frequency, writes NYU Medical Center/School of Medicine. Eating less food at one time puts less pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing the food to remain where it belongs in the stomach instead of escaping and moving up the esophagus.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Certain foods have been identified that may cause or make acid reflux worse, and they should be eliminated from the diet to achieve the best results at reducing acid reflux symptoms, suggests NYU Medical Center/School of Medicine. The list includes hot and spicy foods, fast food, animal fats, alcohol, milk, coffee, tomatoes in all forms, carbonated beverages, and citrus fruits and juices.
Sip on Raw Honey
Honey is predigested in the stomachs of bees and, as a result, is very easy for people to digest. It may be very soothing for those suffering from acid reflux, writes Dr. Theodore Baroody in "Alkalize or Die." A teaspoon of raw honey at any time of day or before bed may help relieve symptoms. Processed honey does not have the same healing power as does raw, organic honey, which has no impurities and contains all its nutrients.
Add Pineapple to an Acid Reflux Diet
Pineapple contains the digestive enzyme bromelain, which has been found to help relieve symptoms of acid reflux, reports the Acid Reflux Cure website. Bromelain can be obtained by eating fresh pineapple or drinking the fresh juice. Commercially prepared pineapple and pineapple juice do not contain bromelain, as it loses its potency over time and under conditions where the pineapple is heated. In the event an individual is unable to tolerate pineapple, bromelain can be purchased as a supplement and taken with meals to help reduce symptoms.
Bromelain can thin the blood, so a health practitioner should consulted before using bromelain supplements.
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence indicating the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for reducing symptoms of acid reflux, according to "The pH Miracle." Vinegar can be used in several ways, including sprinkling it on salads, taking it mixed in water as a daily drink, or even taking a spoonful of straight vinegar. The easiest way to take apple cider vinegar is by mixing 1 to 2 tbsp. vinegar in 8 oz. water and drinking it down all at once. There is less chance of developing burning in the esophagus when consuming the vinegar in diluted form.
References
- NYU Medical Center/School of Medicine: How to Reduce Acid Reflux
- "The PH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- Acid Reflux Cure: Some Effective Herbal Remedies for Acid Reflux
- "Alkalize or Die"; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
