Broccoli contains various nutrients, including vitamin C and dietary fiber to help aid digestion. The flowery-headed vegetable usually works effectively in an acid reflux diet. People with frequent acid reflux -- occurring more than twice a week -- suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Stomach acid backup from acid reflux causes heartburn, the burning or painful sensation in your upper chest and throat. You might experience a sour or acidic taste in the back of your mouth.
Acid Reflux Triggers
A low-fat diet, including plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains, protects you from acid reflux. Heavy meals and fatty foods can cause indigestion that increases the risk of acid reflux. Digestion slows and the stomach requires more acid secretion. Low-fat and natural foods digest smoothly to avoid digestive difficulties. Certain foods might trigger acid reflux by weakening an esophageal muscle, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The weakened muscle does not close properly after food enters the stomach and allows stomach acid backup. People have different trigger foods, but common causes of acid reflux include fried foods, high-fat foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages. You might have to take note of the foods you eat and the symptoms you experience afterward to know your trigger foods.
Additives
Fresh or steamed broccoli provides you with nutrients while protecting you from GERD symptoms, but some people might experience acid reflux symptoms after eating broccoli with cheese or broccoli covered with sauces. The fatty additives can cause the reaction, not the broccoli. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends avoiding fried or creamy style vegetables in its GERD diet.
Digestive Problems
Certain foods that cause gas, bloating, indigestion and heartburn include healthy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. The gas-producing foods might increase GERD symptoms because of digestive problems, but gas and bloating also result from eating fatty foods that delay digestion. Before you give up broccoli or other healthy vegetables suspected of causing gas, reevaluate your diet in case other foods trigger acid reflux. Choose raw or steamed broccoli over cooked, especially if it includes other ingredients. Stress, anxiety, smoking or underlying health conditions also might cause frequent bloating, indigestion and heartburn.
Considerations
Fresh broccoli and vegetables along with other low-fat foods usually provide a nutritious way to avoid GERD symptoms. If you find certain foods lead to acid reflux, reduce their intake or eliminate them from your diet. Over-the-counter and prescription medication reduces stomach acid buildup to prevent acid reflux. Check with your doctor concerning your GERD symptoms for dietary and medical recommendations.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
- MayoClinic.com: Bloating, Belching and Intestinal Gas: How to Avoid Them; April 25, 2009
