Acidic foods are a hazard for people with acid reflux for a couple reasons: First, they can directly irritate the lining of your esophagus. Second, they may cause excess secretion of gastric acid in your stomach, which may leak upward into your esophagus, causing pain and discomfort. Besides avoiding certain foods, you can time your meals and control your portion sizes to keep symptoms to a minimum.
Prevalence
Acid reflux is common in the United States, with as many as 7 to 10 percent of the U.S. population experiencing daily heartburn resulting from reflux of gastric acid, as noted in the Summer 2003 issue of the "American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education." When this situation becomes chronic, it is diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Besides acid reflux, other symptoms of GERD include sore throat, hoarseness and asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing. Prolonged, severe GERD can limit social functioning and well being.
Etiology of Acid Reflux
A number of factors, including reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure, which means the stomach contents are able to easily move upward into the esophagus, a hiatal hernia or stomach blockage, increased abdominal pressure such as with obesity or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, delayed gastric emptying, or recurrent vomiting, can cause chronic acid reflux. Depending on the etiology, your doctor can prescribe a combination of medications or self-management practices.
Effects of Acidic Foods on Reflux
Foods with an acid pH, such as citrus juice, tomatoes, salad dressings and soft drinks, may cause pain when the esophagus is inflamed. The role of spices in the pathology of acid reflux is not clear, but the use of chili powder and black pepper may also cause pain when the esophagus is distressed. You should avoid caffeine-containing beverages and fermented alcoholic beverages if inflammation exists because they stimulate excess gastric acid secretion.
Considerations
Besides avoiding certain foods and beverages, you can also time your meals with your sleeping schedule and active lifestyle to avoid symptoms. For example, it is best to avoid eating large, high-fat meals less than three hours before retiring. Providing adequate, upright time for digestion will help move your meal from your stomach down into your small intestine. Avoid vigorous activity after consuming a meal, and avoid tight-fitting clothing which creates abdominal pressure.
References
- GI Care: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet; 2008
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy - 12th Edition"; Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2005
- "American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education"; Gastrophageal Reflux Disease; Geoffrey C. Hall, et al.; Summer 2003
