South Beach Diet & Acid Reflux

The South Beach Diet restricts carbohydrates that quickly convert to glucose in the digestive system, but allows carbohydrates that stay in the system longer. It limits all carbohydrates to 20 to 100 g a day. By cutting fast carbohydrates, you feel full longer and your glucose, or blood sugar, remains at a steady, low level. This helps prevent hunger pangs and may make the body go into a fat-burning mode. One drawback of the South Beach Diet is that foods in the first two phases can cause acid reflux, or heartburn.

Phases of the South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet has three phases. The first two-week phase restricts most carbohydrates, except high-fiber vegetables such as artichoke hearts and cooked spinach. In the second, or weight-loss, phase, 45 to 65 percent of carbohydrates are high-fiber grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts. The third phase is about weight-maintenance and continuing to follow the principles of the South Beach Diet.

Acid Reflux

After you eat, a ring of muscle fibers normally prevents food in your stomach from pushing back up into your esophagus. Acid reflux occurs when the acid in your stomach that helps break down food content regurgitates back into the esophagus. The main causes of acid reflux include obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption, but it can be caused by certain foods in your diet.

Phases That Can Cause Acid Reflux

Acid reflux symptoms are most likely to occur in the two first phases of the South Beach Diet. In the first phase, a major portion of the calories you consume are likely to come from fatty foods, which can cause acid reflux. Acid reflux also can occur when your body is getting used to a diet with a high-fiber content. In the second phase, the fiber-rich foods most likely to trigger acid reflux are tomatoes, tomato sauce and acidic fruits, such as grapefruit, oranges and raspberries. Acid reflux symptoms may also worsen if you eat spicy food.

How to Prevent and Treat Acid Reflux

To prevent acid reflux on the South Beach Diet stick to low-fat soy products, but restrict fried and fatty foods during the induction phase. During the second phase, cut down on acidic fruits and foods containing tomato products. Eating smaller portions and not eating right before bedtime can also help improve symptoms of acid reflux. To treat the immediate symptoms of acid reflux, use an over-the-counter anti-acid reflux medication. If your symptoms are severe, consult your physician.