The Best and Worst Foods for Managing Acid Reflux
A burning sensation that can turn even the most delicious meal into a regretful memory. But it is not just about heartburn; acid reflux can also bring a sour taste in your mouth, a persistent cough, or even a scratchy throat. When managing acid reflux, what you eat can make a significant difference to the quality of life.
While medications can help, choosing the best foods for acid reflux is vital in keeping these symptoms at bay. Certain foods can soothe and protect your digestive system, while others can exacerbate the problem.
Understanding which foods to embrace and foods to avoid with GERD (Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease) is the first step toward finding relief and enjoying meals without adversely affecting the quality of life.
Understanding the causes of acid reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back into the esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and a sore throat.
The causes of acid reflux include,
- Weakened lower esophageal sphincter muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach.
- Hiatal hernia is when the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm (sliding hiatus hernia).
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- A few medications, such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin.
Why do you need a GERD diet?
Getting acid reflux occasionally isn’t unusual, but almost 20% of the population feels burning discomfort, belching, and bloating every time they eat. The GERD diet plays a crucial role in controlling these symptoms.
Understand the foods to avoid with Gerd.
Foods that stay longer in the stomach delay digestion and trigger heartburn. Generally, acidic, fatty, or highly caffeinated foods are the foods to avoid with GERD.
- Fried and Fatty foods
Fatty and fried foods cause the LES to relax, allowing more stomach acid to flow into the esophagus. These high-fat foods increase the risk of acid reflux and delay stomach emptying.
Some examples of fried or fatty foods include french fries, onion rings, fried chicken, desserts, snacks, full-fat dairy products, oil, and greasy foods.
- Acidic foods
The acidity of fruits worsens the acid reflux symptoms. Avoid highly acidic grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, oranges, tomatoes, limes, salsa, marinara sauce, and ketchup. If there are any ulcers in the esophagus or esophagitis (acid burns) acidic foods and drinks can cause marked direct irritation and exacerbation of the symptoms.
- Alcohol
Alcohol has an unpleasant effect. It not only relaxes the sphincter valve but also stimulates acid production. So, avoid alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of acid reflux. If there are any ulcers in the esophagus or esophagitis (acid burns) alcohol can cause marked direct irritation and exacerbation of the symptoms.
- Peppermint
Peppermint is reputed for soothing the tummy, but it increases the risk of acid reflux.
- Chocolates
Chocolate contains ingredients such as methylxanthine, which smoothens the muscles in the LES and increases acid reflux.
- Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee and coke aggravate acid reflux.
- Late-night snacks
Avoid late-night snacks, and don’t eat anything two hours before bed. Instead of two or three large meals, include four to five smaller meals throughout the day. Avoid liquid intake close to bed-time.
- Carbonated beverages
Carbonated drinks e.g. carbonated water and fizzy drinks expand in your stomach by creating more pressure, reflux and pain.
Choose the best foods for acid reflux
If you experience heartburn, incorporating a few foods in the diet plan reduces the symptoms of acid reflux, neutralizes stomach acid, and manages the symptoms of acid reflux.
- Vegetables
Vegetables are low in fat and sugar. You can consume broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, potatoes, leafy greens, asparagus, etc. Moreover, you can add flavor with spices such as cinnamon or turmeric.
- Fiber-rich foods
Fibrous foods make you feel full and reduce the chance of overeating. Choose whole grains such as couscous, brown rice, oatmeal, and root vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
- Ginger
Ginger is a unique food with anti-inflammatory properties and a natural remedy for nausea, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal problems. To ease the symptoms, add sliced or grated ginger to smoothies, drinks, or recipes.
- Non-citrus fruits
Non-citrus fruits are less likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms than acidic fruits. Fruits such as melons, apples, bananas, and pears contain fiber that makes you feel full for longer hours.
- Lean meat and seafood
Lean meat such as turkey, fish, chicken, and seafood are low in fat levels and less likely to cause acid reflux symptoms. Try eating boiled, grilled, poached, or baked foods.
- Egg whites
Egg whites are rich in protein and low in fat, so try eating them poached. However, egg yolks and fried eggs are rich in fat and can trigger acid reflux symptoms.
- Healthy fats
Healthy fats are essential for body function, but you must choose the right fats and use them in moderation. Some sources of healthy and unsaturated fats include walnuts, flaxseeds, sesame oil, avocados, olive oil, and sunflower oil.
Tips to manage acid reflux with lifestyle tips
Recovery duration varies based on infection severity, appendix rupture, overall health, and appendectomy type. Mild cases may permit same-day discharge, while ruptured appendices necessitate more extended hospital stays with potent antibiotics and vigilant monitoring for complications.
Post-surgery, patients should avoid heavy lifting, monitor bandages for infection, eschew tight clothing, and cushion the abdomen while coughing. The doctor may prescribe pain management medication and prophylactic antibiotics to mitigate discomfort and prevent diseases.
The ultimate care for acid reflux and GERD - Consult Dr. Ashok Bohra
By adjusting your diet and adopting expert advice, you can reduce the discomfort and enjoy a better quality of life.
Dr. Ashok Bohra is a reputed gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon in Dubai with over three decades of expertise in treating acid reflux and GERD symptoms. Dr Ashok excels in offering advanced diagnostic tools for holistic wellness, blending modern medicine with time-honored remedies.
Dr. Ashok crafts personalized treatment plans, including GERD diet counseling, minimally invasive procedures, and the latest GERD management techniques.
Experience life without heartburn! Embark on your journey to relief; book your consultation now!
