Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and allows food and digestive acid to travel backward into the esophagus and throat. Certain foods may stimulate the stomach to produce excess stomach acid, or cause the sphincter to relax, aggravating the condition. Avoiding those foods and adding foods that do not trigger stomach acids to overproduce may help control or prevent GERD attacks.
Milk and Dairy
Milk and other high-fat dairy products cause a rebound effect in the stomach, initially soothing the digestive tract and then triggering the additional release of stomach acids that cause acid reflux, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Limit whole-fat dairy products and use low-fat foods instead.
Acidic Foods
Foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits may trigger bouts of GERD, according to Columbia University's Health Internet site, Go Ask Alice. Eliminate all foods containing tomatoes from the diet, at least on a trial basis, to see if they cause acid reflux. Avoid all citrus fruits and citrus fruit juices or dilute with water in an attempt to mitigate the problem.
Highly Spiced Foods
Hot and spicy foods, such as chili and other peppers may, contribute to attacks of acid reflux for some people, according to Go Ask Alice. Eliminate foods containing hot peppers. However, homemade versions without the peppers, or milder restaurant versions of these foods, are acceptable as long as they don't contain hot spices.
Alcohol, Mint and Chocolate
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that alcohol, mint and chocolate can cause weakening and relaxing of the lower esophageal sphincter, aggravating acid reflux. Eliminate all alcohol, including beer. All members of the mint family may have a weakening effect on the sphincter, including peppermint, spearmint and every type of basil.
Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated beverages stimulate the production of stomach acids and cause attacks of GERD, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Certain chemicals in sodas may also contribute to the problem. Replacing sodas with non-acidic fruit juices, herbal teas or water may help relieve symptoms.
Black Tea adn Coffee
The University of Michigan Health System says that coffee and black tea may contribute to symptoms of acid reflux in some people. Each of these contains caffeine and other chemicals that have an effect on the production of stomach acids. However, herbal teas do not necessarily cause the same reaction, and some herbal teas, such as licorice root tea, may help relieve symptoms, according to the "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Licorice root can cause the blood pressure to rise, so individuals taking medicine for hypertension should consult a health practitioner before using it..
Junk Food
Certain fast foods and "junk foods" that contain large amounts of animal fats and transfats may trigger acid reflux attacks. The foods often are difficult to digest, and many people overeat fast foods, which may contribute to acid reflux. The fats in these foods may weaken and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, causing food to reflux up the esophagus, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Go Ask Alice: Eating Tips When Heartburn Hits -- Acid Reflux
- University of Michigan Health System: Voice and Throat Problems from Acid Reflux
