Certain foods may produce acid reflux, so try to avoid those foods to reduce or prevent symptoms. Other foods inhibit acid reflux, and including those foods in your regular diet may provide long-term protection. Symptoms occur when a muscle in the esophagus does not close tightly after food enters the stomach, causing stomach acid backup, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Frequent Episodes
Acid reflux disease, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease, causes frequent reflux episodes that can eventually damage the esophagus. Heartburn results during acid reflux, causing the pain in the chest and throat. Acid backup may cause a bitter taste in the back of your mouth. Antacids and medication that reduces stomach acid production can relieve symptoms. Dietary changes help prevent problems from arising.
Grains
Grains help protect the esophagus, which becomes damaged from chronic acid reflux. Over time, frequent acid reflux can cause Barrett's esophagus, which damages esophageal cells and may lead to cancer. Wheat, rice and corn cereals and oats contain selenium, an antioxidant that may prevent the onset of cancer. Whole-grain foods aid digestion and may absorb excess stomach acid during the digestive process. Enjoy oatmeal, oat bran, brown rice, baked potatoes and whole-grain or whole-wheat bread and pasta.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables digest smoothly and rapidly through the stomach, avoiding acid buildup that can lead to heartburn. Bananas and papaya have been used as home remedies to treat heartburn. Most fruits, such as apples, peaches, pears and berries, help an acid reflux diet. Some people, however, find that citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, cause symptoms. Tomatoes also have an acidic quality that may trigger heartburn. Eat vegetables raw, steamed or cooked with little or no fat. Do not eat vegetables in creamy sauces or fried vegetables.
Low-Fat Foods
Protein builds muscle tissue and may strengthen the muscle in the esophagus, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Protein contains saturated fat. Because fatty foods can lead to acid reflux, eat low-fat varieties. Choose the leanest of meats and trim off all visible fat before cooking. Buy poultry without skin or remove the skin before preparing. When buying dairy products, choose low-fat or skim milk and low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. For sweets, eat low-fat or fat free cookies and cakes, graham crackers, angel cake and nonfat candies.
Find Triggers
Know your trigger foods. Although acid reflux culprits often include fatty or fried foods, chocolate, coffee and carbonated drinks, people respond differently to foods. Certain foods may trigger your symptoms. Either make a mental note of the foods you have eaten when experiencing heartburn or keep a food diary. Write down the foods consumed, the time of day eaten and the symptoms in a detailed record for a week. This helps eliminate offending foods from your diet.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- HealthCentral: Heartburn Center -- Prevention
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn --- Prevention
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
