Acid reflux disease is a common name given to gastroesophageal reflux. This is a disorder when stomach acid leaks into the lower esophagus because the band of muscles at the top of the stomach relax at inappropriate times and allow material in the stomach to enter the esophagus. This causes burning and pain because the contents of the stomach are more highly acidic than the esophagus tissue is designed to handle. By making some changes to your diet you can effectively make a positive change in the amount and severity of your acid reflux.
Low-Fat Diet
The symptoms of acid reflux disease are associated with repeated or prolonged exposure of acid to the lining of the esophagus. The purpose of a specific diet is to reduce the symptoms and damage, according to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois. A low fat diet is the primary dietary plan of choice if you suffer from acid reflux disease. High fat meals and fried foods decrease the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the amount of time that food remains in the stomach. As the emptying time of the stomach is delayed it increases the risk of acid refluxing into the esophagus and causing both damage and symptoms.
Weight Loss Diet
Acid reflux disease can be triggered by excess pressure on the stomach and abdomen. This can be caused by excess weight, according to MayoClinic. By following a weight loss diet plan you may find that your symptoms are dramatically reduced. MayoClinic recommends you reduce your weight by no more than 1 or 2 lb. a week, making slow losses in order to improve your overall health and increase the potential to maintain the weight loss.
Diet Modifications
If you suffer from GERD or acid reflux disease you may have noted several food items or dietary habits that trigger symptoms. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, there are several dietary modifications that can help reduce the amount and severity of the symptoms. These changes include reducing or eliminating items requiring high amounts of energy to digest, such as alcohol. You may have found that carbonated beverages, coffee, tea and chocolate also trigger symptoms. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends that you avoid using peppermint because it increases the amount of gastric acid produced and therefore the risk of suffering from symptoms.
MayoClinic has also suggested that other diet modifications may help to reduce symptoms, such as not eating within 2 hours of bedtime, eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding foods that specifically trigger your heartburn. (Reference 2)
