Natural foods you may eat regularly hold the promise of curing acid reflux. Not everyone will see their symptoms disappear, but changing your eating patterns the natural way can reduce or relieve acid reflux. Certain foods aid digestion, decreasing the risk of acid reflux and heartburn. They also help the esophageal muscles work effectively to prevent acid backup after eating. Other foods may trigger your acid reflux by relaxing the esophageal muscle or causing indigestion. Get to know your trigger foods, and replace them with beneficial foods.
Fruit
Most fruits contain large amounts of fiber, so they digest smoothly. The stomach does not require excess acid for digestion of certain fruit, which lowers the risk of acid reflux. High-fiber fruits include pears, apples, raspberries, strawberries, bananas, figs and raisins. Citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato products have contain acids that may trigger acid reflux. Avoid them if you find they cause heartburn.
Vegetables
Fiber-rich vegetables include peas, artichokes, sweet corn, broccoli, turnip greens, lima beans and black beans. Other vegetables also help prevent acid reflux. Celery and carrot sticks are healthy snack alternatives. Eat fresh or steamed vegetables as much as possible. Avoid fried or creamy vegetables, which can interfere with digestion and lead to heartburn, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
Nuts and Seeds
Carry nuts and seeds with you to satisfy your appetite and avoid overeating at mealtimes. Pecans, pistachio nuts, almonds and sunflower seeds provide high fiber. Brazil nuts and walnuts contain selenium, a mineral with antioxidant effects that may protect the esophagus.
Whole Grains
Whole grains also have selenium to protect the esophagus from cell damage, HealthCentral points out. The lining of the esophagus becomes damaged from long-term acid reflux, and this can lead to cancer. Whole grains provide you with a healthy, full feeling without the indigestion that can contribute to acid reflux. Whole grain sources include whole wheat or multigrain bread, whole grain cereal, whole wheat pasta, oat bran, oatmeal, brown rice, barley and air-popped popcorn.
Liquids
Drink skim milk, decaffeinated herbal teas, fresh fruit juices without citrus and plenty of water. Stay away from coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks, which trigger acid reflux. Drink small amounts of liquid at mealtime to avoid overloading your stomach and causing acid reflux. Drink liquids throughout the day.
