Acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Acid reflux causes heartburn, a burning feeling in the chest and throat, and may result in acid regurgitation, leading to a bitter taste in the back of the mouth. Irritation of the esophagus from chronic acid reflux can damage the esophageal lining over time. A diet of low-fat foods helps reduce or eliminate acid reflux.
Avoid Triggers
Stomach acid backup after eating often happens because of a relaxed esophageal muscle, which normally contracts after food enters the stomach to prevent acid reflux. When the muscle relaxes, it does not shut tightly and allows acid to rise back up into the esophagus. High-fat or fried foods, chocolate, tomato products, carbonated beverages, coffee, alcohol and other items can relax the muscle and trigger acid reflux. You may have your own particular triggers because people respond differently to foods.
Protein Options
Protein may help strengthen the esophageal muscle to combat acid reflux. Protein repairs muscle tissue, but protein foods also contain saturated fat. Lower your fat intake from these foods by eating lean meats, fish, chicken or turkey without fatty skin and low-fat or fat-free milk or dairy foods over whole-milk products.
Whole Grain Protection
Whole grains contain the mineral selenium that may protect cells in the esophagus from damage. Frequent acid reflux over long periods can result in Barrett's esophagus, which causes abnormal cell changes that can lead to cancer. Whole grains have rich fiber content and digest smoothly in the stomach to prevent acid buildup. Eat whole-grain or whole-wheat bread, cereal and pasta. Whole grains also include oatmeal, brown rice, barley and cracked wheat.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables also contain fiber and digest rapidly to avoid the risk of acid reflux. The stomach requires less acid secretion to digest these foods than it does for high-fat foods. Bananas, peaches, pears, apples, berries and melons can help in an acid reflux diet. Citrus fruits, however, may trigger acid reflux because of their acidic contents. Avoid oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruits if you experience heartburn from eating them. Fresh and steamed vegetables prevent acid reflux, but avoid fried or creamy style vegetables, which may trigger symptoms.
Healthy Snacks
Eat low-fat or fat-free sweets when you have an urge to snack. Choose nonfat candies instead of chocolate, which has high fat content. Keep plenty of fruit, celery or carrot sticks available for snacking. Healthy, low-fat snacks satisfy your hunger between meals so you don't eat too much later on. The low-fat foods in an acid reflux diet also help you to maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds can pressure the abdomen and increase the risk of acid reflux.
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