What Are Good Foods to Eat With Acid Reflux?

What Are Good Foods to Eat With Acid Reflux?
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Acid reflux is the unpleasant and unhealthful condition which occurs when the lower esophagus muscle does not close tightly, and stomach acid returns back into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and a foul taste in the mouth, which creates discomfort and can also lead to more serious health impacts if left untreated. Foods that are easily digested and which contribute to the strength of the esophageal structure are good to eat with acid reflux.

Lean Protein

Lean protein helps the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, muscle to close, preventing acid reflux, according to the health professionals at the Columbia University Health Services. Plant proteins help to improve the tone and tightness of the LES, advises The World's Healthiest Foods, a nutrition information resources presented by the non-profit George Mateljan Foundation. Adding high-protein beans and lentils to your diet will help prevent acid reflux, and black beans are one of the highest plant-protein options, according to the alternative health practitioners at DIY Stress Relief.com. Beans, and particularly black beans, also contain fiber, folate, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your anti-acid-reflux diet.

Fruits and Vegetables

All vegetables other than tomatoes, provided they are not prepared by frying or served in rich cream sauces, are recommended for people on an antiacid reflux diet, according to Dr. Frank Jackson of Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, a digestive health medical practice with offices in Camp Hill and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Noncitrus fruits like apples, pears, bananas and peaches are also healthy food choices that are unlikely to aggravate acid reflux. Cabbage is a particularly good vegetable selection for an antiacid reflux diet, suggests DIY Stress Relief, as it contains Omega 3 fatty acids and a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Grapes also make an ideal fruit snack, full of vitamins as well as high in water content which aids digestion.

Breads and Grains

Breads and grains can be eaten by people fighting acid reflux, as long as they are not high in fat, such as oily or buttery pastries, or prepared with high-fat dairy products, such as cereals with whole milk or cheese danish, advises Dr. Frank Jackson. Opt for nutrient-dense, high-fiber whole grains for better nutrition. Oatmeal is an excellent choice, according to DIY Stress Relief. Oatmeal is low in saturated fats and cholesterol that can trigger acid reflux. Warm oatmeal porridge with skim milk makes for a healthy breakfast, while oatmeal breads and cookies add healthy fiber and nutrition without triggering acid reflux.

References

Article reviewed by Veronique Von Tufts Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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