Oatmeal & Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when acid flows from the stomach into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and an unpleasant taste in the back of the mouth. One of the major triggers of acid reflux, especially in its more serious form, GERD, is diet. Certain foods can cause the acid relux to flare up. Bland foods, such as oatmeal, generally do not worsen acid reflux. As such, oatmeal is one of the recommended foods for those following a restricted acid reflux diet.

Triggers

According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly everyone with regular acid reflux has food triggers. Some of the most common trigger foods for those with reflux include fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, garlic, onions, citrus fruit, mint, spicy foods and tomato-based sauces. Once you figure out what your triggers are, most doctors recommend that you avoid those foods as much as possible. Doctors may even encourage you to stick to reflux-friendly foods right after your diagnosis, slowly adding other foods back in so that you can determine exactly what triggers your reflux.

Safe Foods

There are several foods that are considered to be universally safe for those who suffer from acid reflux. Oatmeal is on that list, along with other similarly bland items such as nonfat pretzels, plain bagels, white bread, baked turkey and broth. In addition to sticking with these foods right after your diagnosis, many physicians will also recommend that you regularly incorporate safe foods into your diet. Unlike many of the items on the list, oatmeal is a whole-grain dish that is packed with fiber. It also helps to lower blood cholesterol.

Serving Oatmeal

When eating oatmeal for acid reflux, you should be careful of how it is prepared. Plain oatmeal cooked with water is the safest version of the dish, but it can be quite bland. If you must add something to your oatmeal to make it palatable, stick with ingredients such as low-fat milk, almond milk or soy milk. If cinnamon is not a reflux trigger, you can add a sprinkle of the spice. Natural and artificial sweeteners can trigger acid reflux, as can many fruits, so you'll want to avoid those additions to your oatmeal.

Considerations

Oatmeal and other safe foods should not cause acid reflux in most patients. If your acid reflux continues despite changes to your diet, you may have a more serious stomach issue. Talk with your doctor about alternatives, such as medication, to control your acid reflux. When left untreated, reflux can cause serious esophageal issues, including cancer.