Although you may seek relief from acid reflux with antacids or preventive acid-reducing medication, dietary changes can provide long-term protection from acid reflux. Symptoms of acid reflux include burning sensations in the upper chest and throat and acid regurgitation, which causes a sour taste in the back of the mouth. Acid reflux occurs when a weakened esophageal muscle does not close tightly and allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Frequent bouts of acid reflux over time can damage the esophagus.
Elimination Diet
In some cases, eliminating trigger foods from the diet may be the only method you need to use to avoid acid reflux. Common culprits include fatty and fried foods, tomato-based products, spicy foods, garlic, onions, citrus fruits, chocolate and mint flavorings. However, you may experience acid reflux from particular trigger foods that do not affect others. Take note of the foods you have eaten when acid reflux strikes. Avoid those foods and symptoms may disappear.
GERD Diet
Frequent acid reflux may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Consult with a doctor, who can prescribe medicine and provide dietary advice. A decrease in high-fat meals, fried foods and large meals plays a central role in the GERD diet recommended by the McKinley Health Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Fatty and fried foods can relax the esophageal muscle to promote acid reflux. Heavy meals take long to digest and increase the risk of acid reflux because of excess acid secretion during digestion. The diet eliminates trigger foods, focusing on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean beef, skinless poultry and limited low-fat dressings and snacks. Avoid fried vegetables. Whole grains may provide protective action for the esophagus and lean meats and poultry contain protein that may strengthen the esophageal muscle, HealthCentral notes. The GERD diet includes skim milk, fruit juices, except for citrus juices, and tea instead of coffee if coffee causes heartburn.
Develop Your Own Diet
Because certain foods affect some people and not others, the website Nil Heartburn recommends building your own diet starting with safe foods. Add foods as you remain free of heartburn and avoid foods that result in acid reflux. Apples and bananas make safe fruits for a diet to help heal acid reflux. Carrots, broccoli, green beans, peas, cabbage and baked potatoes make healthy vegetable additions. Nil Heartburn suggests lean beef, white meat chicken, fish, egg whites and egg substitutes for protein. Choose low-fat dairy products. High-fiber grains to reduce acid reflux include multi-grain bread, oatmeal, rice, bran cereals, graham crackers and pretzels. For snacks, red licorice, low-fat cookies and jellybeans can replace fatty chocolates and other fat desserts.
