Acid reflux, also known as gastroespohageal reflux disease (GERD), irritates the esophagus when acids back up from the stomach. Common symptoms of acid reflux are belching, bloating and passing gas, especially after eating. It is caused by consuming a variety of foods that irritate the esophageal lining, weaken the esophageal sphincter, and by overeating in general. Although limiting what you eat is bothersome and requires attention to detail, the benefits include the reduction of painful reflux symptoms and the ability to protect yourself from serious problems in the future. If you allow reflux to progress without making dietary changes you may put yourself at risk for conditions such as Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer. Learn what foods to reduce or eliminate that are responsible for your acid reflux.
Fats
Foods that are high in fat and low in fiber trigger symptoms of acid reflux, points out the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. Animal fats in particular are problematic, due to their ability to delay the speed at which the stomach is able to empty, according to the Life Extension website.
Drinks
Avoid all caffeinated beverages, citrus juices, alcohol, coffee and carbonated beverages. All of these drinks cause excess acid production in the stomach, aggravating GERD, points out the FamilyDoctor website.
Sweets
The Medicine Chest website mentions that the esophageal sphincter relaxes after ingestion of mints, including spearmint and peppermint, allowing stomach contents to reflux up the esophagus. The Food Navigator website reports on chocolate and cocoa explaining that they are may cause esophageal sphincter to relax causing more acids to reflux into the esophagus. If you suffer from acid reflux, eliminate these foods or eat them with extreme caution.
Spices and Condiments
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine website recommends eliminating spicy foods for those with reflux disease. These foods damage the esophageal lining with acids. They include hot sauce, chilies and peppers.
Tomatoes
The Life Extension website explains that tomatoes are extremely acidic and may create an acid-forming condition in the stomach, stimulating excess digestive acids which can reflux and irritate the esophagus.
Onions
The Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website advises steering clear of raw onions. Certain compounds in onions cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax allowing acids and food to back up into the esophagus.
