Avoiding certain foods that trigger acid reflux may rob you of nutrients. Even healthy foods can cause acid reflux. Practicing an acid reflux diet, however, usually provides you with the necessary nutrients. In some cases, taking supplements along with your meals can make up for the nutritional deficiencies from eliminating specific foods. For example, people who can't tolerate citrus fruit or tomatoes, which may trigger acid reflux, can add vitamin C supplements to their diet.
Trigger Foods
Not everyone has the same triggers for acid reflux because people respond to foods differently. You may have specific triggers, but common causes include fatty or fried foods, chocolate, fast foods, whole milk, oils, creamed foods, citrus fruits and juices, caffeine, alcohol and tomato-based products. You may need to limit or avoid your triggers. Trigger foods relax an esophageal muscle that normally blocks stomach acid backup. A relaxed muscle does not shut tightly and allows acid to rise back up into the esophagus, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Acid reflux often causes the burning or painful sensation of heartburn.
Fruit and Vegetables
Oranges, grapefruit, pineapple and other citrus fruits have been known to trigger acid reflux. Tomatoes and fried or creamy style vegetables may also encourage acid backflow. Taking a daily multivitamin or vitamin C supplement can replenish lost nutrients from avoiding these foods. An acid reflux diet includes most other vegetables and healthy fruits such as apples, melons, berries, bananas, peaches and pears. Including plenty of acceptable fruits and vegetables in your meals can provide you with necessary vitamins and nutrients.
Low-Fat Protein
Foods high in saturated fat may promote acid reflux. Many of these foods include high-protein products, including meat, poultry, fish and dairy items. You can still get the necessary amount of protein by selecting low-fat protein foods. Choose lean meat with all visible fat trimmed off, chicken or turkey without skin, baked or grilled fish and low-fat or nonfat dairy products, such as skim milk, low-fat cheeses or low-fat and fat-free yogurt. Protein, which builds muscle tissue, may strengthen the esophageal muscle to help reduce or prevent acid reflux, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes.
Whole Grains
Heavy meals can lead to acid reflux by slowing down digestion. The stomach requires more acid secretion, increasing the risk of acid backflow. Along with adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals, include plenty of whole grains, such as whole-grain bread, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, high-fiber cereal, oatmeal and oat bran. Whole grains provide you with a feeling of fullness without creating the digestive problems associated with high-fat foods and heavy meals. Whole grains may also soak up excess acid in the stomach during digestion.
