There are several common foods that contribute to acid reflux and you may have your own specific triggers. Your acid reflux may be caused by various ingredients in the foods you eat, and for this reason, you may have difficulty determining if garlic plays a role. Acid reflux causes heartburn, which is characterized by a burning feeling in your upper chest and throat. Acid regurgitation, or a bitter taste in the back of your mouth, can also occur.
Factors
Common offenders of acid reflux include garlic, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Other foods that may worsen symptoms include onions, fatty and fried foods, citrus fruits, mint flavorings, tomato-based foods, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol. You may experience side effects from garlic, such as upset stomach and bloating, which can contribute to acid reflux.
Foods and Meals
The foods that trigger acid reflux relax the esophageal muscle that normally contracts. A relaxed or weakened muscle allows acidic content to rise back up into the esophagus. Large and high-fat meals also contribute to acid reflux by relaxing the muscle and delaying stomach emptying. Heavy meals cause the stomach to secrete more acid for digestion.
Food Diary
Garlic is often an ingredient in large or high-fat meals. Other foods or ingredients in your meals may trigger acid reflux, but garlic could be the primary cause. Keeping a food diary for a week can help you determine your triggers. Write down the foods you eat and the symptoms you experience afterward. Using garlic in your meals and then excluding it may help determine whether garlic is the culprit. The sauces or high-fat foods in your meals may also be the cause.
Garlic Benefits
Before eliminating garlic from your diet, determine that is the true reason for your acid reflux. Otherwise, you may be unnecessarily removing a health-boosting ingredient. Garlic may help prevent heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure as well as strengthen the immune system, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Garlic contains high levels of antioxidants, which fight free radicals that damage cells and lead to serious health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. Perhaps you can consume small amounts of garlic without suffering heartburn or acid reflux.
Relief or Prevention
Antacids provide quick relief for heartburn. Acid-reducing medication, over the counter and prescribed, reduce stomach acid production to prevent acid reflux. If problems persist and you suffer from frequent acid reflux, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Your doctor can prescribe stronger medication and provide dietary or lifestyle advice. Smoking and being overweight also contribute to acid reflux.
