Gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, causes frequent episodes of acid reflux. Stomach acid backup, which may occur after eating or drinking, results in heartburn or acid regurgitation. Heartburn produces a burning sensation in your upper chest and throat. Acid regurgitation brings a sour taste to the back of your mouth from acidic contents. Antacids provide quick relief and acid-reducing medication prevents symptoms by reducing stomach acid production. A low-fat diet, however, avoids acid reflux over the long term when practiced regularly.
Acid Reflux Causes
Heavy meals and high-fat foods delay stomach emptying and slow digestion to increase the risk of stomach acid backup, according to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Acid reflux may also result from a weakened lower esophageal muscle. The muscle normally opens as food and beverages enter the stomach and then contracts to prevent backup of acidic contents. Certain foods relax the muscle. These may include fatty or fried foods, chocolate, tomato products, coffee, carbonated beverages, mint and alcohol.
Protein
Many protein foods contain high amounts of saturated fat that contribute to GERD. You can reduce or prevent symptoms by eating low-fat varieties of these foods. For example, choose the leanest of meats with all visible fat trimmed away, and chicken or turkey without fatty skin. Bake, grill or broil meat and poultry so the fat drips off. Avoid frying, which retains more fat. Fish, which usually has less saturated fat than meat and poultry, makes a healthy alternative. Select low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Top your baked potatoes with low-fat plain yogurt instead of butter or sour cream.
Fruits and Vegetables
Eat more fruit, including berries, melons, apples, bananas, peaches and pears, for side dishes, snacks or desserts. Avoid citrus fruit, such as oranges, grapefruit and pineapple, which may aggravate GERD due to their acidic content. Tomatoes and tomato-based foods may also contribute to acid reflux. Vegetables usually work in an acid reflux diet, but avoid fried or creamy style vegetables, Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology advises. Stick to fruit and vegetable sticks for snacking as much as possible. When eating sweets, limit snacks and desserts to 3 g of fat per serving or less, choosing low-fat or fat-free items.
Whole Grains
Whole grains aid digestion to decrease the risk of stomach acid secretion and acid reflux. Whole grains also develop a thick texture during digestion to absorb excess acid in the stomach. Enjoy whole-grain bread and pasta, high-fiber cereal, brown rice, oatmeal and oat bran. Whole grains contain selenium, an antioxidant that may protect the esophagus from damage. Frequent acid reflux can cause esophageal cell changes over time that can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can result in esophageal cancer.
Member Comments