Anyone with acid reflux can tell you that the symptoms are not pleasant. Although we all have had acid reflux at some point or another, it can be a chronic issue for many. A lot of the symptoms are directly related to our diet. The foods that we eat directly affect the amount of acid that is produced in our stomachs. Because too much acid causes acid reflux, our diet can make this problem better or worse. As your premier gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, Dr. Tabib cares about your acid reflux symptoms and wants you to be aware of an acid reflux diet that will provide relief.
Acid Reflux Diet Guide
Foods to Avoid
There are many trigger foods that have been determined over the years that acid reflux sufferers should avoid. Making this dietary change may seem annoying if there’s food you enjoy on this list. However, omitting these foods will make you feel much better. It will be worth the sacrifice for those that have chronic acid reflux. One of the biggest culprits is meat, specifically red meat. It is high in cholesterol and fat, which are two things that trigger acid reflux every time. Stay away from using too much oil, butter, and salt when preparing your foods due to their high-fat content. Many dairy products will cause trouble because of the amount of calcium. The biggest troublemaker is anything with cow milk since it is a harder substance for our body to digest. There are so many alternatives to cow’s milk now. Switching to one of those will show significant improvement. It goes without saying that acidic foods will cause your acid level to rise. Try to avoid acidic citrus fruits. Tomatoes and spicy food tend to cause trouble as well. Caffeine is something not usually associated with acid reflux, but it is a big trigger. Avoid chocolate, coffee, soft drinks, and tea. Finally, any carbonated beverages can cause discomfort.
Foods to Add
Having to keep track of all the foods you can’t eat may be depressing. So here are some foods that you should add to your acid reflux diet to help.
Vegetables are great to balance out the acid in your stomach because they are low in fat and sugar. Adding vegetables into your acid reflux diet has many other benefits as well.
Ginger is a natural remedy for heartburn. Use ginger root in your cooking, or drink ginger tea to feel the positive effects.
Fiber-rich foods are great to counteract the acid in your stomach.
Eating oatmeal in the morning, having whole-grain toast, or eating whole grain rice are all great options.
Although saturated fats are not good for you, healthy fats are beneficial. Avocados, healthy nuts, and a small amount of oil olive should be included in your daily diet.
If you love fruit, you can still enjoy noncitrus fruits. In fact, things like bananas and apples can actually help with your acid reflux.
For that protein boost, low-fat sources of protein are encouraged. Fish, almonds, beans, and lentils are all great options.
Other Things to Consider
Although having a proper acid reflux diet will not outright cure your acid reflux, it can make it much more manageable. It is important to remember not to overeat, even if you are eating the foods that should help acid reflux. Overeating will almost always exacerbate the symptoms of acid reflux. When you eat is just as important as how much you eat. Do not eat for a few hours before bed to minimize any possible flare-ups. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Coincidentally, having a healthier diet should help you maintain a healthy weight.
If you are suffering from acid reflux and want to know more about what you can do, be sure to talk with a professional. Dr. Tabib is extremely experienced with acid reflux cases and can help guide you to a much better quality of life.
