Acid reflux causes the burning or painful sensation in the chest and throat, known as heartburn. It may also cause a sour taste in the back of your mouth when acidic contents rise up from the stomach. Acid reflux occurs after eating certain foods that relax an esophageal muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains. The sphincter does not contract properly and allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Heavy meals may also lead to acid reflux because the stomach requires more acid secretion during digestion.
Medication
Over-the-counter antacids quickly relieve symptoms by neutralizing acid when heartburn strikes. If you have frequent acid reflux, medications can reduce stomach acid buildup to prevent symptoms for several hours. Doctors can prescribe stronger acid-blocking medication, if necessary. In rare cases, doctors recommend surgery to strengthen the esophageal muscle for some people with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. People who have acid reflux more than twice a week may have GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Natural Remedies
Home remedies may work for some people, but not for others. Bananas and papaya may have natural antacid effects to stop heartburn. A tsp. of apple cider vinegar burns for a moment initially, but may coat the throat to remedy heartburn. But people report mixed results. Changing your diet, however, has prolonged effects to reduce acid reflux episodes and may even eliminate them. Avoiding trigger foods, such as fatty or fried foods or caffeinated drinks, helps remedy the problem.
Protein Strength
Protein helps build and repair muscle tissue. It may also strengthen the esophageal muscle to work properly and prevent acid reflux, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, many protein foods contain saturated fat, which may increase the risk of acid reflux. You need lean meats with all visible fat cut off and poultry without skin to lower your fat intake. Fish have lower amounts of saturated fats than beef or poultry. Select low-fat or fat free dairy products over whole milk and whole-milk items.
Fruit, Vegetables and Grains
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Do not choose citrus fruits or tomato products, which have acidic qualities and may cause heartburn. Have raw or steamed vegetables, but avoid fried or cream-style vegetables. Whole grains, including breads, pasta and cereal, oatmeal and brown rice, help with digestion and reduce acid secretion in the stomach, which aid in preventing acid reflux. Whole grains retain more fiber than refined grains to aid in the digestive process. Choose fruits, carrot sticks or whole-grain cereals when snacking. If you have an urge for processed sweets, stick to low-fat snacks or nonfat candies to lower the risk of acid reflux.
