You may experience heartburn and acid reflux after consuming protein foods, but the symptoms usually result from the fat content, not the protein. Protein actually helps protect you from acid reflux. Protein, which builds and repairs muscle tissue, may strengthen a muscle in the esophagus to reduce symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Acid reflux diets usually include low-fat protein foods.
Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. You may experience the burning sensation of heartburn in your upper chest and throat or a sour taste in the back of your mouth from the acid rising up. Many people experience heartburn occasionally. If you experience acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Antacids provide quick relief, and over-the-counter or prescription medication prevents acid reflux by reducing stomach acid production. An acid reflux diet helps provide long-term protection from symptoms.
Trigger Foods
Avoiding trigger foods is the first line of defense against acid reflux. Trigger foods vary from person to person, but common offenders include fried or fatty foods, tomato-based products, citrus fruits, caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages and alcohol. Triggers relax the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring-like muscle that normally opens as contents enter the stomach and then closes. A relaxed muscle does not close properly and allows acidic contents to rise back up into the esophagus. Large meals also increase the risk of acid reflux by requiring the stomach to secrete excess acid during digestion.
Low-Fat Protein
Protein foods include meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. These foods have high saturated fat content, which may relax the esophageal muscle and trigger symptoms. The fat content in heavy meals aggravates the situation. However, you can get your necessary protein and reduce acid reflux symptoms by choosing lean beef, poultry without skin and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Fish usually contains less saturated fat than meat or poultry. Protein is not only necessary for its nutritional value, but it may reinforce the esophageal muscle after frequent acid reflux because of its muscle-building capabilities. Over time, frequent acid reflux can damage the esophagus.
Preparation
Bake, broil or grill meat, poultry and fish instead of frying so the fat drips off. Be careful about additives to your meat, poultry or fish dishes. Some sauces or spices may aggravate acid reflux. People often differ in their acid reflux triggers, so you may have to gradually identify your triggers through the process of elimination. Acid reflux diets also include most fruits and vegetables. However, avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes, which have acidic content that may trigger acid reflux. Whole grains, such as breads, pasta, brown rice and high-fiber cereal, aid digestion to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn - Prevention
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet; Frank W. Jackson, M.D.
