When you suffer from frequent acid reflux, you might focus on the foods you need to avoid, but you'll be better off concentrating on acceptable foods to include in your diet. Heartburn sufferers especially should make dietary changes a priority. According to HealthCentral, 44 percent of patients with acid-reflux disease reported symptom relief after they made dietary changes. Acid-reflux friendly food helps reduce weight and removes the pressure on the abdomen that can trigger acid reflux.
Avoid Risks
Fatty or fried foods produce reactions that can increase the risk of acid reflux. High-fat or heavy meals overwork the stomach, which requires more acid secretion for digestion. Fatty or fried foods also relax the lower esophageal muscle that normally prevents stomach acid backup. When relaxed, the muscle may not shut tightly, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. Other foods that may weaken the esophageal muscle include tomato products, chocolate, citrus fruits or juices, caffeine or alcohol, but you may have your own particular triggers that cause acid reflux.
Low-Fat Choices
Eating low-fat foods does not mean a bland diet. You can still enjoy your favorite dishes, but make sure you choose lean meats with fat cut off, skinless chicken or fish. Instead of using butter or other high-fat additives, prepare your foods with unsaturated fats, including olive, peanut or canola oils. Add plain yogurt or salsa to your baked potatoes. Replace whole-milk dairy products with low-fat or nonfat foods and milk.
Fiber Foods
Fiber helps aid the digestive process to help prevent acid reflux. Fiber foods, including fruit, vegetables and whole grains, digest smoothly and also provide a full feeling so you don't need to eat fatty foods. Include whole-grain bread and pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, high-fiber cereal and barley in your diet. Although most fruits work against acid reflux, some people find citrus fruits and tomatoes cause heartburn. Do not eat fried or cream-style vegetables, which may cause acid reflux.
Snacks and Drinks
Fruit, carrot sticks and high-fiber almonds, pecans and pistachio nuts make healthy snacks to avoid acid reflux. When you have an urge for sweets, choose low-fat or fat-free cookies or snack items. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends having desserts with 3 g fat per serving or less. Eating a low-fat snack usually satisfies your desires for sugar without the acid reflux risks from high-fat sweets. Choose decaffeinated teas, skim milk, non-citrus fruit juices and water instead of coffee and carbonated beverages.
