Foods That Soothe and Trigger Acid Reflux
Dietary changes are among the important things to do if you’re prone to or are experiencing acid reflux. A diet for managing acid reflux consists of foods that soothe the symptoms and leaves out any that might trigger the condition.
Beneficial foods
The following foods help control stomach acid production:
- Vegetables : Vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, and cucumbers and leafy greens like spinach can help reduce stomach acid production. Besides, they are low in fat and sugar and beneficial additions to your diet if you’re prone to experiencing acid reflux.
- Fruits: Â Bananas, apples, pears, figs, pomegranates, and watermelon are less likely to trigger the symptoms of this condition.
- Fibrous foods : High-fiber foods like oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain bread help absorb stomach acid. These foods are also filling and make you less likely to overeat, preventing acid from building up.
- Beans and lentils : Green beans, lima beans, and broad beans and a variety of lentils are acid-reducing foods that you can include in your diet.
- Lean proteins : Include lean meat, fish, tofu, egg whites, or poultry without its skin in your diet. You can have them grilled, boiled, or baked instead of fried to prevent a flare-up of the symptoms. Also, avoid egg yolks because they can increase cholesterol levels, which, in turn, can trigger the symptoms.
- Healthy fats : Replace foods with unsaturated fats with healthy alternatives like avocados, walnuts, flaxseed, and olive and sunflower oils. Healthy fats like omega-3s are essential to the body, but they should be consumed in moderation.
- Yogurt : Probiotics like yogurt are good for digestive health and excellent for soothing acid reflux. That said, you must avoid sweetened yogurt as it has high sugar content.
- Ginger : The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger make it essential for managing acid reflux. You can have ginger tea or add ginger to foods and soups while cooking.
Plan your diet for managing acid reflux by including balanced amounts of different foods. Also, have small and frequent meals instead of three large meals to keep the condition at bay. At the same time, you must monitor the portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight.
Harmful foods
A healthy diet for managing acid reflux should eliminate any trigger foods that can worsen the symptoms. These include the following:
- Caffeinated foods and beverages
- Carbonated beverages
- Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruit
- Onion and garlic
- Tomatoes
- Full-fat dairy products like butter, cheese, and milk
- Oily and greasy foods
- Spicy foods
- Red meat
- High-sugar foods like doughnuts
- Processed meats like bacon, sausages, salami, and hamburgers
- Peppermint and spearmint
There is no particular diet plan for acid reflux, as food triggers are different for everyone. A diet for managing the condition should include foods that help soothe the symptoms and avoid the ones that trigger heartburn.