1. Doctor Knows Best
Speak to your primary health care provider about your acid reflux. He can help you decide on a course of treatment, which may include dietary changes, medication or a combination of both. Your doctor should be up to date on the latest research and findings on acid reflux and able to advise you on how to start your acid reflux diet. Listen to his advice and ask any questions that you may have.
2. Find Your Trigger
Find your triggers and your safe foods. Everyone is different. Your trigger may be dairy products, while another person may suffer from heartburn after eating tomatoes. Keeping a food diary may be the best way to spot patterns and triggers for heartburn. Look back at what you eat and when you suffered from heartburn. Keep track of what you eat, how much you eat and when you eat. Make another list for times and incidents of GERD or heartburn. Analyze this record to find a trigger food and avoid that food as much as possible.
3. Less is Best
Eat smaller and lighter meals. Different studies have shown that large and heavy meals or over-eating can cause heartburn. Your digestive system becomes over-worked and heartburn may be a symptom. Instead of three large meals, try eating six smaller meals throughout the day. Large meals should be at midday to avoid late night heartburn.
4. Avoid Common Triggers
Avoid common heartburn triggers. High-fat foods and fried foods often lead to heartburn. While old wives' tales say to drink milk to avoid heartburn, many people suffer from heartburn or other gastrointestinal issues after consuming milk or other dairy products. Another trigger may be stress. Eating while stressed may bring on heartburn. Avoid lying down after eating as this may trigger heartburn as well.
