Acid reflux, heartburn and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) affect millions of people around the world. If you suffer from one of these conditions, your diet most likely plays a huge role in its severity. Most people with acid reflux know which trigger foods to avoid, but not everyone is sure which foods they can eat that are safe and won't aggravate acid reflux.
Bread
Bread is a basic food that can help neutralize stomach acids and isn't likely to bother the esophagus. Registered dietitian Gloria Tsang says that breads with complex carbohydrates, such as multigrain or whole-wheat loaves, are best for acid reflux patients because they can soothe the stomach and help prevent extra acid from escaping through the esophagus.
Pasta
Similar to breads, pastas with complex carbohydrates are a good choice for acid reflux patients. Choose whole-grain noodles, and be mindful of how you serve the pasta. Tomatoes, oils and cream-based sauces are reflux triggers for many people, so try serving pasta with herbs and fresh steamed vegetables or plain as a side dish.
Rice
Brown rice is especially beneficial for those with reflux because of its complex carbohydrates, but white rice is quicker to prepare and can also be paired with a variety of side and main dishes. Reflux patients should stay away from buttery risottos and Chinese-buffet-style fried rice.
Meat and Fish
Jane Clarke, a leading British nutritionist, recommends that patients with acid reflux stick to low-fat meats such as fish and boneless, skinless chicken breasts. She also notes that lean red meats may be fine for some patients to eat. Pay attention to how you prepare meats, and avoid any cooking methods that will add a lot of fat, such as deep-frying.
Yogurt
In moderation, yogurt can be a helpful food to eat if you have acid reflux because of its beneficial probiotics and bacteria. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology in Pennsylvania recommends low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Thick, Greek yogurt with a low percentage of fat can also be used for cooking and in desserts. Tracy Davenport of HealthCentral.com suggests layering yogurt, rice or wheat cereal, and low-acid fresh fruit in a narrow glass as a parfait dessert.
Fruits
Many fruits, especially acidic citrus fruits such as oranges, are trigger foods for people with acid reflux. Some fresh fruits, however, are more likely to soothe the stomach and esophagus than aggravate them. Bananas, apples and pears have low acidity and are fine for most reflux patients.
Vegetables
Because they're naturally low in fat, fresh and cooked vegetables are an excellent choice for people who have acid reflux. Aside from tomatoes, which have a higher acidity and can trigger heartburn, Jackson Siegelbaum recommends all fresh, frozen and canned vegetables but cautions against preparing them with lots of butter or a creamy sauce.
