Acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or "GERD" as it is commonly called, is a condition in which the esophagus becomes inflamed or irritated due to the flow of stomach acid back towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter, according to the University of Texas at Arlington. Drinking alcohol, smoking, high intake of caffeine, obesity and a high-fat diet are contributing factors in acid reflux. Eating a healthy diet can minimize and even eliminate acid reflux, but surgery and medication may be needed for severe cases.
Foods to Avoid
If you are susceptible to severe acid reflux, all fatty, greasy, spicy foods should be eliminated from your diet completely. Tomatoes, onions, peppermint, alcohol, carbonated drinks and chocolate should be consumed in limited quantities to avoid acid reflux. Highly caffeinated beverages and acidic fruit juices like orange, lemon, grapefruit, tomato and cranberry juice should also be limited or completely eliminated from the diet. Certain spices and condiments like mustard and vinegar should also be avoided if you are suffering from acid reflux. Some dairy products such as ice cream, sour cream, and cottage cheese can contribute to acid reflux and should be eaten in limited quantities.
Recommended Foods
Fat-free or low-fat milk and fat-free yogurts are dairy products that can be consumed if you have acid reflux. Raw, steamed or grilled vegetables are good alternatives to creamy or fried vegetables that worsen acid reflux. Low-fat grains and breads can be eaten as well as desserts low in fat. Low-fat meats, chicken and fish can be eaten and no animal or vegetable oils should be consumed to limit the symptoms of acid reflux.
Eating Habits
One of the most important things you can do to avoid acid reflux at night is not eating before bedtime, and making sure you have eaten your last meal of the day by 7 p.m. This will make sure your food is well into the digestion process, preventing stomach acid from flowing back up towards your esophagus after you go to sleep. Instead, eat small, frequent meals throughout the day as a full stomach or overeating often lead to acid reflux symptoms.
General Diet
A strict diet does not have to be followed to avoid acid reflux as long as you avoid foods that contribute to acid reflux and eat a healthy diet. Avoid whole milk which has a lot of fat in it; instead opt for fat-free or 1 percent milk. Eat a healthy, low fat diet rich in citrus-free fruits and vegetables. Limit fatty meats and processed deli meats, instead opt for protein rich foods like skinless chicken breast and fish.
Maintaining Diet Long-term
Acid reflux sufferers may find that after following a diet of eating small, frequent meals, eliminating foods that contribute to acid reflux, and eating a healthier diet symptoms disappear. This is a time when you may fall back into your old habits of eating too much, drinking too much caffeine, or eating fatty foods again because you feel you have been cured. If you fall back into your old habits, try to get back on track before acid reflux symptoms reappear. If you miss certain foods, eat them in limited quantities and do not over indulge. Keep a food diary to see which foods have an effect on your acid reflux symptoms.
