Gastric reflux, an action that causes the feeling of heartburn, can be an occasional experience or exist in a patient as a chronic disease and classified as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Reflux happens when the sphincter at the top of the stomach relaxes or otherwise opens and allows stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus at least partially.
Although many prescription drugs and over-the-counter antacids provide immediate and controlled relief for gastric reflux, it is also possible to control or reduce symptoms by avoiding certain foods and beverages proven to aggravate these symptoms.
Alcohol and Caffeine
According to MayoClinic.com, alcohol and caffeine cause the esophageal sphincter that normally prevents food and acid from backing up through the chest and throat from the stomach to relax and allow heartburn to ensue. In addition, a 1987 study performed by doctors and researchers at the Department of Surgery of the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Scotland found that seven of 17 subjects experienced prolonged bouts of nighttime heartburn after consuming alcohol three hours post-eating. None of the subjects experienced this in a control group when not given any alcohol.
Tomato and Citrus Fruits and Juices
Gastric reflux sufferers are also encouraged to avoid citrus fruits and juices such as those from oranges and grapefruits, as they are believed to aggravate symptoms. GERD and occasional heartburn patients should be wary, however, that citrus ingredients may be found in other drinks such as tea and supplements providing extra vitamin C. In addition, tomatoes and tomato juice are acidic in nature and should also be avoided.
Fatty Foods
According to MayoClinic.com, fatty foods cause the stomach to remain fuller for longer periods of time, thus delay emptying of its contents. This may contribute to an increased likelihood of experiencing gastric reflux after a meal of fatty food choices.
Spicy Foods
Medical News Today reports that reflux patients are affected by different foods in different ways, but the presence of peptic ulcers or the absence of certain digestive enzymes can affect the way they react to foods that are spicy as well. These foods can cause the esophagus to become irritated, change the pH level of stomach acids and cause an overall disruption in the digestive processes in a reflux patient.
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