A cleanse involves limiting your food intake to generally one or two items, such as juices, soups or fruit. Because you eliminate almost all foods during a cleanse, you likely eliminate foods that trigger acid reflux. Once you reintroduce regular foods, you could trigger acid reflux -- either from foods you usually eat or new foods designed to help you adjust to regular eating.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux happens when the contents of the stomach travel back up the esophagus to the mouth. The esophagus is a tube that leads from your mouth to your stomach. At the bottom of the esophagus is the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, which relaxes to let food into the stomach. A weak lower esophageal sphincter allows liquids back up the esophagus. Reflux is normal and typically mild. However, acid reflux becomes gastroesophageal reflux disease when the process damages the esophagus or causes symptoms like heartburn, vomiting and regurgitation. Reflux can also cause pain with swallowing, abdominal pain, hoarseness and persistent sore throat.
Trigger Foods
During your cleanse you avoid common foods like coffee and chocolate, but when you reintroduce regular foods you may not only resume consuming these items, you may even binge on them. Spices and condiments like chili powder, garlic, vinegar, black pepper and ketchup can contribute to acid reflux. Citrus fruits and spicy foods can lead to acid reflux, too. Gassy foods like beans, sodas, cabbage and cauliflower can cause discomfort if you are experiencing acid reflux.
Cleanse Foods
Your cleanse could be the cause of your acid reflux. A cleanse may only last a few days, and during that time you may eat foods that you do not normally consume. Some cleanses recommend peppermint tea because it helps with digestion. Peppermint is one of the foods that reduces lower esophageal sphincter pressure, which contributes to acid reflux. Tea, tomato juice and citrus fruits also are potential triggers and may be part of the cleanse you chose. Eating larger than normal amounts of these foods may contribute to acid reflux after the cleanse by relaxing your lower esophageal sphincter.
Considerations
Foods can induce acid reflux symptoms, but your symptoms may have a different cause. Elevating your head at night or losing weight may relieve symptoms. According to a patient information overview by Dr. Peter J. Kahrilas, acid reflux symptoms are similar to those signaling other conditions. For example, chest pain may be due to acid reflux, but it could also indicate heart disease. Unless the diagnosis is clear and the symptoms mild, your doctor will perform tests should be performe before recommending lifestyle changes and medication. See your doctor if you have serious symptoms like vomiting, trouble swallowing or unexplained weight loss.
References
- UpToDate: Patient information: Acid Reflux -- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease -- in Adults
- Health Central: Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux & GERD
- Medical News Today: What Is Acid Reflux? What Causes Acid Reflux
- The Master Cleanser: With Special Needs and Problems; Stanley Burroughs
