Certain foods trigger acid reflux, a condition that causes the burning in the chest and throat of heartburn. Acid regurgitation, leading to a sour taste in the back of your mouth or throat, may also occur. The foods sometimes cited as triggering acid reflux include garlic and spicy food. However, some people may tolerate these foods and experience acid reflux from other products. If garlic or spicy food result in symptoms, you can limit or eliminate them from your diet.
Causes
Acid reflux may occur following heavy meals when the stomach has to work harder and secretes more acid during digestion. This can encourage acid reflux symptoms, especially when offending foods are included in a large meal. An esophageal muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, can also cause acid reflux. Certain foods relax the muscle when food enters the stomach. The weakened muscle does not shut properly afterwards and may allow acid backup into the esophagus.
Variety of Foods
Other foods that result in acid reflux include spicy chili or hot peppers, fatty or fried foods, creamed foods or soups, fast foods, citrus fruits and juices, caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol. People may have their own particular triggers. Spicy food and garlic often play a part in large meals, so people may find it difficult to realize those foods cause the problem. Heavy meals alone can lead to indigestion, acid reflux and heartburn.
Identifying Culprits
If you don't know what exactly triggers your acid reflux, keep a food diary for a week, the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recommends. Write down the time, the foods you eat and the symptoms experienced. That helps rule out or identify food culprits. If you suspect garlic and spicy foods cause acid reflux, consume them in small portions or in small meals to see if problems arise.
Helpful Foods
Add plenty of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your meals to reduce or avoid acid reflux. Fiber foods aid in digestion to prevent stomach acid backup. Whole grains, such as breads, pasta, high-fiber cereal, oatmeal and brown rice, may soak up excess acid during digestion because of bulk. These foods may provide enough protection, allowing you to eat garlic and spicy food in moderation to avoid symptoms.
Prevention and Treatment
Antacids provide quick relief from acid reflux after eating garlic, spicy food and other offenders by neutralizing acid. Acid reducing medication, available in over-the-counter or prescription form, can prevent acid reflux for several hours. Experiencing acid reflux two or more times a week indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. GERD patients may have a permanently weakened lower esophageal sphincter. Dietary changes and medication under the supervision of a doctor can reduce or prevent symptoms. In rare cases, doctors may recommend surgery to strengthen the esophageal muscle.
