Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus usually after eating. You may experience heartburn, a burning feeling in the chest and throat, and acid regurgitation that brings a bitter or sour taste to the back of your mouth. Antacids provide quick relief and over-the-counter or prescription acid reducers prevent symptoms. A diet to avoid acid reflux offers you a long-lasting remedy that may eliminate the problem.
Function
When an esophageal muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, does not contract properly after food enters the stomach, it fails to protect against acid reflux, according to McKinley Health Center, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Certain foods relax the muscle to cause acid reflux. Common triggers include fatty and fried foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages, citrus juices and tomato products. You may have your own triggers and need to eliminate those foods from your diet to avoid acid reflux.
Small Meals
High-fat meals and fried foods decrease pressure on the esophageal sphincter and delay stomach emptying to increase the risk of acid reflux. Large meals take longer to digest and increase acid secretion. Eat smaller, frequent meals throughout the day. Avoiding fatty foods and large meals helps to maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds add pressure to the abdomen and cause the stomach to push up and result in acid reflux, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain high-fiber content and digest quickly to avoid acid reflux. Bananas, peaches, pears, apples and berries make healthy additions to an acid reflux diet. Avoid citrus fruits, which have acidic properties. Most vegetables digest smoothly, but do not eat fried vegetables or creamed vegetables.
Grains
Multi-grain bread, bran cereals, oatmeal, rice and whole wheat pasta protect against acid reflux. Choose whole grains instead of refined grains, such as white bread and white flour. Whole grains contain the mineral selenium, which may help heal the esophagus. The esophagus can become damaged from frequent acid reflux.
Low-Fat Options
Protein may strengthen the esophageal muscle, according to Health Central. However, choose low-fat varieties, such as lean meats, skinless poultry and fish to reduce fat contents that may trigger acid reflux. Eat egg whites and egg substitutes. Replace whole milk dairy products with low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. Avoid high-fat snacks, such as chocolate, and choose substitutes that include low-fat cookies, red licorice, baked potato chips and jellybeans, Nil Heartburn advises.
