What is a Good Diet for Acid Reflux?

There is little question that there is a link between the type of diet one eats and the occurrence of acid reflux and it symptoms. It doesn't take much to upset the balance that keeps the human body running smoothly and the food we eat is an important part of this equation. So it only makes sense that a diet for acid reflux would help maintain the stability of the acid level in the stomach.

Acid reflux disease is not actually caused by excessive stomach acid production; it is actually a weakening or failure of a series of esophageal sphincters that are supposed to keep stomach contents from regurgitating back into the esophagus. Unfortunately when this happens excess gastric acid secretions are the reason for the severity of the symptoms.

Excessive acid production can be triggered by a number of things including over eating, certain food choices, smoking, alcohol, and stress. Left untreated gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) soon develops which causes extreme discomfort and eventually physical damage. Because of this anyone suffering from acid reflux needs to look at using diet to control this condition. By identifying the foods that cause symptoms it makes it easier for those who suffer this condition to avoid them in the future.

Acid Reflux Safe Foods

Eating foods that are more alkaline or basal in nature is what most nutritionists recommend for those who suffer from acid reflux disease. It is also recommended to eat a low fat diet and avoid spicy foods, which seem to set most people off. A good diet for acid reflux consists of the following types of foods; cabbage, green beans, broccoli, peas, apples, bananas, carrots, lean cuts of meat, fish with no added fat, egg whites, low fat cheeses like feta, low fat salad dressings and multi-grain breads.

Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid

There are certain foods that do aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux disease, but many people are affected differently by different foods so what may work for one person may not work for another. Foods that are known to increase the risk of GERD in most people are usually fatty foods like those with extra cheese, junk foods, processed foods, citrus fruits, ketchup based foods, chilies, caffeine, fried foods, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, mint and onions.

The best way that an individual can determine which foods they need to avoid is to create a food diary. This way you can log your daily food intake each day and how those foods choices affected you. This can help you create a list of foods to avoid and modify your diet and recipes as needed.

Not only can the types of food you eat contribute to the symptoms of acid reflux over eating any type of food can also be a big factor. Eating smaller portions and skipping that second helping along with drinking plenty of water are all ways to minimize the affects of this condition. A little common sense applied to lifestyle choices can make a big difference for those who are following a diet for acid reflux.