An a diet plan for acid reflux is a very important component of the therapy for both acute heartburn (the most common cause of GERD) and chronic heartburn (which is also a cause of GERD). The diet focuses on removing foods that reduce esophageal pressure, delay gastric clearance, and increase stomach acid in your stomach, all of which greatly increase your overall risk of developing GERD.. For example, some foods may not cause heartburn at all but may trigger frequent episodes of heartburn by irritating the LES and making it less sensitive to acid. Other foods may cause heartburn by increasing stomach acid directly, or indirectly, through ingredients such as fructose, which can be found in many sodas and juices, or by causing a rise in pressure in the lower esophagus, which can also cause heartburn. Therefore, a proper diet plan for acid reflux must take in many different factors that will affect your overall health and risk for developing GERD and other gastroesophageal conditions.
First of all, make a list of foods that you know trigger acid reflux symptoms, as well as the symptoms they cause in you. For instance, these could include but are not limited to:
- Pizza
- Potato chips
- Fast foods
- Various processed foods and snacks
- cheese
- Fried foods
- Meats which contain heavy fats (bacon, sausage, etc.)
- Tomatoes
- Sodas and other carbonated drinks
- Chili powder
- Citrus based fruits
- Certain candies including chocolate
Keep a record of which foods you’ve eaten over the years, and when you’ve gotten these attacks. It can also be helpful to keep a food diary, where you note what foods you ate and when. Keeping track of your food intake will help you tailor your meals to reduce GERD symptoms.
In addition to the list of foods that may trigger acid reflux, you’ll need to plan meals to fit a lifestyle that’s healthy and low in risk factors. For example, if you drink a lot of coffee, try replacing it with decaffeinated tea or water. Alcohol should also be eliminated completely. By making simple changes to your lifestyle, you can dramatically lower your chances of developing GERD.
Your dietitian may suggest an acid reflux diet plan for you, but if you don’t like the suggested menu, don’t be afraid to make your own. You can use any type of meat, seafood, vegetable, or vitamin-rich food you enjoy, as long as it doesn’t aggravate your condition. The trick is to eat meals frequently enough to keep your stomach content at a healthy level. A healthy level can help keep the lower esophageal sphincter from relaxing and stopping your digestion.
One nutritious treat that can be a lifesaver in the kitchen is raw, unsweetened yogurt. If you soak a tampon in yogurt and place it in your mouth, you’ll feel relief from reflux symptoms right away. The probiotics in the yogurt will begin to counteract the acid in your stomach, keeping it from rising to the level of discomfort it normally causes. Another benefit of eating raw, unsweetened yogurt is that it’s a delicious way to get calcium.
Acidic foods trigger GERD by irritating the lower esophageal lining. To treat and prevent acid reflux symptoms, you should eat a healthy diet, which includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. To spice up your meals, pair a mild food with a spicy sauce. You can have a bowl of soup, a grilled chicken breast, herb-laced salad, a baked potato, or an olive oil-loaded pasta for dinner. These meals will not only taste great, they will keep you feeling healthy.
