When you suffer from acid reflux, specific foods can aggravate the condition and lead to a flareup of symptoms. When planning your meals, it is best to base your meals and snacks around foods that have little potential to set off your acid reflux. Knowing what foods are safe will provide you with a starting point for altering your diet.
Fruits and Vegetables
When eating fruits and vegetables, you will want to choose the varieties that have little natural acid. The safest fruits that can be eaten by acid reflux sufferers include apples and bananas, while the best vegetable options are peas, green beans, broccoli, cabbage, baked potatoes and carrots. You will want to avoid any type of citrus fruits such as tangerines, grapefruits and oranges. In some people, kiwi and strawberries can worsen acid reflux. You should also avoid tomatoes, grapes, onions, berries and scallions.
Lean Meats
Greasy foods cause your lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing the excess stomach acids to come up into the esophagus. Because of this, foods such as sausages and hamburgers must be eliminated from your diet. Many people choose to eliminate meat completely, but that is not necessary, as lean foods that have high protein content actually strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid reflux. Some of the best lean meats include skinless turkey and chicken breasts, baked, broiled or grilled fish, lean pork or beef, tofu and egg whites.
Whole Grains
Complex carbohydrates are foods that are filling and bulky, allowing them to absorb extra acid residing in your stomach. When foods irritate your symptoms, it is the result of causing your stomach to bloat, which causes its content to be pushed upward. Whole grains do exactly the opposite, calming your stomach and keeping the acid in your stomach. To get the benefits of whole grains, consume whole-wheat bread, beans, lentils, cereal, pasta, barley and brown rice.
Beverages
Many people believe that drinking milk provides a fast remedy for treating acid reflux. The truth is that drinking milk, especially in the evening hours, can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Drinking alcoholic beverages such as wine or beer can also lead to your stomach producing excess acid. Depending on how your body reacts, some caffeinated beverages, such as green tea or iced tea, may be safe. Mineral water is always a safe beverage option that will not cause your acid reflux to act up.
References
- TeensHealth: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- "Eating for Acid Reflux"; Jill Sklar; 2003
- "Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Acid Reflux"; Elaine Magee; 2008
