Acid reflux arises from stomach acid backup following a meal or after eating certain foods. The reaction results in heartburn, a burning or painful sensation in the chest and throat. Acid regurgitation may occur, causing a sour taste in the back of your mouth. The foods that can help avoid acid reflux include fruits and vegetables. Some of them, however, can bring about acid reflux.
Acid Triggers
A relaxed muscle in the esophagus allows stomach acid contents to flow back up into the esophagus after eating, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains. The muscle normally contracts after food enters the stomach to block acid backup. Certain foods relax the muscle and trigger acid reflux. They may include fatty or fried foods, chocolate, coffee, carbonated drinks, alcohol and citrus fruits. Antacids and over-the-counter or prescription medicine can relieve or reduce symptoms. Low-fat foods often guard against acid reflux.
Choosing Fruit and Vegetables
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, tomatoes and tomato products have acidic contents that may trigger acid reflux. However, most other fruits help avoid acid reflux and include apples, peaches, pears, melons and berries, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Bananas and papaya may provide natural antacid effects. Most vegetables work effectively in an acid reflux diet, especially if you eat them raw or steamed. Do not eat fried vegetables or vegetables in creamy sauces, which can trigger acid reflux.
Good for Digestion
Low-fat, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables digest rapidly to avoid stomach acid buildup. High-fat foods and heavy meals overwork the stomach and delay stomach emptying, according to the McKinley Health Center, University of Chicago at Urbana-Champaign. The slow digestion results in excess acid secretion and increases the risk of acid reflux. Most fruits and vegetables make healthy alternatives to fatty foods. Adding more of them to your meals or in salads not only prevents acid reflux, but also fills you up so you avoid the temptation to eat high-fat foods that cause heartburn or indigestion.
Eating Patterns
Enjoy apple juice or bananas during breakfast, vegetable soups at lunch or green salads and steamed vegetables with your dinner. Include whole grains, lean meats, skinless chicken or fish along with plenty of fruits and vegetables for your meals. Low-fat foods provide the key to an acid reflux diet. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables throughout the day reduces your fat intake for weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess pounds helps prevent acid reflux. Too much weight puts pressure on the abdomen to push on the stomach and increase the risk of acid reflux.
