Reflux is the term used to describe chronic heartburn that results from food and stomach acid that leaks out of the stomach and burns the esophagus. Symptoms do not indicate reflux disease until they are experienced more than twice a week and they interfere with your daily life. If you suffer from reflux, you should experience improvements when you change your eating behavior and the foods that you eat.
Low-Fat Bland Foods
Low-fat and bland foods will reduce the amount of acid secreted by the stomach and thus decrease the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, fatty and fried foods as well as whole milk, chocolate, creamed foods and most fast foods will increase the symptoms and causes distress. Whole grain breads, pasta without fatty sauces, low-fat meats and non-fried potatoes are all well tolerated when you suffer from reflux.
Herbs
Research published in the May 8, 2006 issue "Archives of Internal Medicine" reported findings that indicated changes in dietary habits, including changes in the consumption of spicy foods, had little to no impact on symptoms of reflux. However, according to HealthCentral.com, foods and snacks flavored with mint, peppermint, spearmint or hot spices may be avoided in order to reduce gastric acid secretion and the potential for reflux. Your experiences with herbs and spices should be your guide as to which of them will negatively impact your disease and which of them you can tolerate in your diet.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and usually not spicy. When eaten raw, they provide added fiber to absorb any additional gastric acid and they have other health benefits. When cooked, you should avoid using spicy herbs or vegetables that are considered "hot." According to HealthCentral.com, you should avoid citrus fruits that are high in acid, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, pineapple and tomatoes. This includes tomato sauces and tomato paste as well as raw tomatoes in your salad.
Fluids
Fluids are very important to your overall health. However, when suffering from reflux, it can be a challenge to find flavored fluids that fit your diet requirements. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, beverages that are well tolerated are decaffeinated and non-mint based tea and all juices except citrus juice and water. Their practice does not recommend that you drink alcohol, carbonated beverages, mint tea and coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, because they increase the production of stomach acid.
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