Acid Reflux and Your Diet
This may be a time when watching what you eat really is something I should take into consideration. When I was younger, I never experienced acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, etc. However, once I got to college and experience the greasy pizza, cheap meals and alcohol, I learned that heartburn is one of the most uncomfortable experiences. Health.com recently posted an article about the seven foods that cause acid reflux. So before you think about grabbing another package of tums, try to avoid these foods to minimize the indigestion.
Chocolate – Of course this has to be the first one on the list. I’m a chocoholic, but I do realize that sometimes eating this gooey treat doesn’t make me feel so loved. According to the article, chocolate seems to cause more reflux than any other food because it contains caffeine and other stimulants, which cause reflux, it contains fat, which also causes reflux, and it has a high cocoa content. Oh, and did you guess? Cocoa causes reflux. I guess my love-hate relationship with chocolate will only continue. Caffeine was also listed as a separate reflux-causing food, but I think it deserves to be here. Just remember, anything with caffeine can lead to this uncomfortable reflux.
Pop – Some may call it soda, some may call it pop. Regardless, it will cause reflux. According to the article, “The bubbles of carbonation expand inside the stomach, and the increased pressure contributes to reflux. Sodas with caffeine and those that are acidic are even worse.” Not only will this carbonated beverage create an upset in your stomach, but it is also unhealthy for you…and yes, that includes diet soda. Switch to a healthier alternative like plain water, flavored water, a reduced sugar juice.
Fried food – Sometimes after an evening of drinking, all I want is a greasy mound of fried chicken and french fries, and I still haven’t learned that this does not cure my hangover. The stomach medicine commercial ads still hold true, fried food is most often associated with heartburn, caused by esophageal reflux.
Alcohol – Also a love-hate relationship. Alcohol is believed to relax the bottom of the esophagus, which eventually leads to reflux. Just don’t add the fried food the next morning to try and cure yourself.
High-fat Dairy and High-Fat Meat Products – As we have previously learned, all fatty food leads to reflux. Add this with dairy, you get the same results.
on April 27th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
I suffer from acid reflux from last 2 month and smoking cause a bigger pain.
on June 10th, 2011 at 9:35 am
I was born with a hiatus hernia, and I still have trouble with acid reflux. For me, I find the best thing is either lots of water or some kind of fromage frais. Failing that, just avoiding foods and drinks that set it off when it’s particularly bad.
on July 10th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
I’ve definitely had to scale back a bit on the soda. I used to drink it a lot, but stopped drinking it when I realized how many calories i was taking in.
on July 25th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
Both me and my wife had Acid Reflux back in December. I went to the Doctor and he pretty much told me verbatim to cut back eating the foods you outline here.
on September 7th, 2011 at 4:47 am
After read this article I find very interesting and helpful for all.
on January 18th, 2012 at 7:30 am
Thanks for this helpful article. I’ve suffered from acid reflux before and it was a very unpleasant experience.