Foods that prevent acid reflux also have dietary advantages that fit into a healthy eating plan. The foods that can reduce or relieve the heartburn symptoms of acid reflux help with weight management. Doctors usually recommend losing weight for people who are overweight or obese and suffer from acid reflux. Although acid reflux causes discomfort, a diet food plan can reduce or eliminate the disorder and keep you feeling better.
Identification
Acid reflux happens when an esophageal muscle does not shut tightly after food and beverages enter the stomach, Medical News Today explains. The muscle normally opens to allow contents into the stomach and closes to prevent stomach acid backup. When it does not work properly, the stomach acid rises back up into the esophagus. This causes the burning sensation felt in the chest and stomach.
Aggravating Reflux
Certain foods aggravate acid reflux by causing the esophageal muscle to relax. Foods often affect people differently. Particular foods may trigger acid reflux for some people, but not for others, according to Medical News Today. Finding out the foods that trigger acid reflux can help you avoid symptoms. Common foods that trigger acid reflux include fried or fatty foods, fast foods, creamed soups or other products, whole milk, oils, chocolate, peppermint and spearmint, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Spicy or acidic foods may affect some people. Citrus fruits and juices, coffee, caffeinated soft drinks and tea can also irritate the esophageal muscle and result in acid reflux.
Substitutes
A diet to prevent acid reflux may substitute low-fat milk and low-fat or fat-free yogurt for whole milk or milk products, Jackson Siegelbaum advises. Most vegetables help reduce acid reflux, but you should avoid fried or creamy style vegetables. Although citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruit and pineapples, aggravate acid reflux, other fruits, such as bananas, apples, melons and pears, usually prevent symptoms. Lean meats, chicken, turkey and fish can replace fatty or fried meats. Avoiding animal or vegetable oils may reduce symptoms.
Digestion Aids
Smaller portions of food at mealtimes help lower acid buildup during digestion. Heavy meals can take more time to digest the large amounts of food and cause acid reflux. Whole grains, fiber-rich fruit and vegetables all help the digestive tract by preventing heartburn and acid reflux. Whole grains and fiber-rich foods also provide you with feelings of fullness without causing indigestion or heartburn as fatty foods will do. Low-fat desserts can replace chocolate or products made with oils or fats.
Expert Insight
Frequent heartburn makes medication along with diet necessary. People who experience acid reflux two or more times a week may have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. H2 blockers reduce the production of stomach acid and provide protection from acid reflux for several hours so people can eat throughout the day without heartburn symptoms. People are also advised to avoid eating at least two hours before lying down or sleeping to avoid stomach acid backup.
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