Although avoiding certain foods helps to reduce acid reflux, adding other foods to your diet can protect you from the discomfort. Acid reflux often occurs after eating certain foods when stomach acid backs up and enters the esophagus. You get a painful or burning sensation in the chest and throat known as heartburn. You might have a sour taste in the back of your mouth. If this happens too often, you can eliminate your trigger foods and enjoy foods that ease acid reflux.
Protein
Protein, which helps build and repair muscles, may strengthen the esophageal muscle to prevent stomach acid backup, according to HealthCentral. Foods rich in protein include meats, poultry and fish. Choose lean meats and chicken or turkey without the fatty skin. Cut all visible fat from meats before preparing to get the benefits of protein without the fat contents that contribute to acid reflux. Dairy products also contain necessary protein. Avoid whole-milk products and replace them with low-fat or fat free dairy products. Low-fat or fat-free yogurt makes a quick breakfast, lunch or snack.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain fiber to avoid digestive problems, Penn Medicine notes. The natural foods digest rapidly without causing gas, bloating or constipation that can result in acid reflux. Eat plenty of apples, pears, peaches, melons and berries. Bananas may contain natural antacid substances to prevent heartburn. Citrus fruits, however, may contribute to acid reflux. Tomatoes and tomato sauces also cause acid reflux reactions. Green beans, carrots, baked potatoes, peas, black-eyed peas and other vegetables provide acid reflux protection. Avoid fried or creamy vegetables.
Whole Grains
Whole grains protect the stomach during digestion to prevent acid reflux. Grains have a thick texture that can absorb excess acid to reduce acid reflux and heartburn, LoveToKnow points out. Whole grains rich in selenium may also protect the esophagus, according to HealthCentral. Frequent bouts of acid reflux over time can damage the esophagus. Whole grains that can provide you with acid reflux protection include whole-wheat breads, cereals, crackers and pasta, oatmeal, popcorn without butter, barley and brown rice. Whole-grain foods also satisfy your appetite without causing the digestive problems of fatty foods.
Low-Fat Snacks
If you get the urge for sweets or desserts, choose low-fat options that taste just as good and do not trigger heartburn. Low-fat cookies or desserts made with little or no fat avoid acid reflux risks. Red licorice or jellybeans make healthy alternatives to chocolate candy that can cause heartburn. Water, instead of coffee or carbonated beverages, helps with digestion in a heartburn diet, according to Nil Heartburn.
