Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid escapes past the muscles that close the stomach and enters the esophagus. According to Health Services at Columbia University, this condition can be somewhat controlled through diet. The type and amount of food you eat greatly influences the way your body produces stomach acid and the way your stomach muscles react to a full or empty stomach. Keeping track of your diet and paying attention to your symptoms after you eat certain foods will help keep your acid reflux under control.
What to Eat
The foods that trigger acid reflux are different for each individual. Eating lean proteins like chicken breast or tofu can help increase the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus's ability to close, according to Columbia University. Chewing gum also helps because it causes your body to produce extra saliva, which helps dilute excess stomach acid. Drinking warm water after meals has the same effect. General dietary recommendations for people with acid reflux and other similar conditions are to eat lean meats, fat-free dairy and low fat snacks.
What Not to Eat
The list of foods people with acid reflux should avoid is a general guideline that applies to many people with the condition. You may find that you have your own trigger foods and your own safe foods. In general, people with acid reflux should avoid highly acidic foods, like citrus fruits, tomato sauces and spicy foods. Greasy, fatty foods also trigger acid reflux. Cut back on coffee and carbonated beverages.
How to Eat
How you eat can be just as important as what you eat. It's important to eat several small meals per day instead of fewer large meals. Larger meals trigger acid reflux and smaller meals provide acid something to constantly work against. Other tips for how to eat include eating slowly and chewing food well, not laying down right after eating and never eating in the two to three hours before bed. Keep a food journal and record what you eat and what acid reflux symptoms you have to help develop your own, more accurate list of safe foods and trigger foods.
