Acid reflux may cause you to avoid certain foods that promote symptoms. However, a variety of healthy foods reduces or even eliminates the discomfort of acid reflux when used in the diet regularly. Acid reflux results in stomach acid backup usually after eating. The burning sensation of heartburn in the upper chest and throat may occur when acid backs up into the esophagus. You may have a bitter taste in the back of your throat when this occurs.
Avoiding Symptoms
Particular foods and overeating can lead to acid reflux. Some foods relax an esophageal muscle that normally opens when food enters the stomach and then closes. A weakened muscle does not contract properly and allows stomach acid backup. Common offenders that relax the muscle include fatty or fried foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, caffeinated drinks and alcohol. However, each person responds differently to foods. Heavy meals can encourage acid reflux, because they take longer to digest. Your stomach requires more acid secretion during digestion, which may cause acid reflux.
Fruits and Vegetables
Once you know the common triggers of your symptoms, you can focus on foods that do not affect the esophageal muscle and aid in digestion. High-fiber fruits and vegetables digest smoothly to protect you from acid reflux. Bananas, berries, melons, peaches and apples work effectively in an acid-reflux diet. Citrus fruits and tomatoes, however, may trigger reactions because of their acidic content. Eat fresh fruit and avoid fruit canned in syrup. Consume raw or steamed vegetables. Avoid fried or creamy vegetables, Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology notes.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain high amounts of fiber to aid digestion. Whole grains may also absorb excess stomach acid, because they have a bulky quality during digestion. Choose whole grains over refined or processed grains, which have less fiber and may have added fat to encourage acid reflux. Select whole-wheat or whole-grain bread, cereal and pasta; oatmeal; brown rice; and barley. Whole grains contain selenium, which may protect the esophagus from acid-reflux damage, according to HealthCentral.
Low-fat Choices
Lowering your fat intake protects you against acid reflux. Consume lean meats with all visible fat trimmed off, skinless poultry, fish and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. These foods contain protein, which may help strengthen the esophageal muscle. Protein builds and repairs muscle tissue. For snacks and desserts, choose the many low-fat or nonfat varieties of cookies, cakes and candies. Make sure desserts have no more than 3 g of fat per serving.
