Acid reflux may result from eating certain foods. Not everyone responds the same way; you may have your own particular triggers for acid reflux and may eat something regularly that causes symptoms, even on a diet. Being overweight can increase acid reflux episodes, which may subside as you succeed in dieting. Other risk factors include smoking and underlying health conditions.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, a burning sensation in the upper chest and throat, and acid regurgitation, which causes an acidic or sour taste in the back of your mouth. A relaxed esophageal muscle, which normally opens when food enters the stomach and then closes, does not close tightly. This allows acidic contents to rise up into the esophagus. Foods that relax the muscle may include fried or fatty foods, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, tomato-based products, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol.
Finding Your Triggers
Particular foods may trigger your acid reflux. They may also include ingredients or additives in your meals. Keeping a food diary for a week helps identify the offenders. Write down the foods you eat and the symptoms you experience to eventually eliminate suspected items from your diet.
Dietary Complications
High-fat foods and heavy meals contribute to acid reflux by increasing the risk of indigestion and heartburn. The stomach takes longer to digest fatty foods and large meals, secreting more acid. Diets don't usually include high-fat foods or heavy meals. You may have healthy foods in your diet that cause symptoms. Citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato products have acidic contents that promote acid reflux. Garlic and onions promote health, but some people get heartburn from these foods. Diet sodas can encourage acid reflux because they are carbonated.
Healthy Foods and Drinks
Focus on fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, but avoid citrus fruits and fried or creamy vegetables. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain high fiber that aids in digestion to decrease the risk of acid reflux. Whole grains include breads, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and brown rice. Drink natural non-citrus fruit juices, decaffeinated teas and water. Drink small amounts of liquid during meals to avoid indigestion, getting fluids at other times of the day.
Other Causes
Smoking causes acid reflux by relaxing the esophageal muscle. Excess pounds put pressure on the abdomen, increasing symptoms. Dieting can eventually help you shed pounds to reduce acid reflux. Hiatal hernia patients often have acid reflux symptoms. A hiatal hernia occurs when an upper portion of the stomach and the esophageal muscle move above the diaphragm. Check with your doctor for underlying disorders if your symptoms persist.
