Foods to Avoid with Acid Reflux

If you suffer from acid reflux, diet modifications can help you manage your symptoms. Please continue reading to find out which foods can trigger acid reflux symptoms, i.e., which foods to avoid with acid reflux.

What causes heartburn symptoms and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Stomach acid is essential for the digestive process. However, if stomach acid goes outside the stomach to other parts of the digestive system, it can cause problems.

The term acid reflux refers to the leaking of stomach acid into the esophagus (the part of the digestive tract that connects your mouth to your stomach). This causes heartburn symptoms such as a burning sensation or pain in the chest or upper abdomen, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, an upset stomach, the sensation of a lump in your throat, and trouble swallowing.

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (a muscle at the lower end of the esophagus) becomes weak and does not work properly, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Risk factors for acid reflux include obesity, pregnancy, hiatal hernia (a bulging of the stomach above the diaphragm), delayed stomach emptying, and certain connective tissue disorders.

Occasional acid reflux is not unusual and can occur, for example, after eating spicy food. However, if you have frequent acid reflux of stomach acids, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). About 1 in 5 Americans have GERD symptoms diagnosed by a doctor.

What are the worst foods for acid reflux?

Certain foods can worsen acid reflux. Spicy foods, fatty foods, fried foods, and acidic foods are the worst foods for acid reflux. Therefore, fast foods like pizza, salty snacks like potato chips, fatty meats like bacon and sausages, and dairy products, such as cheese, can trigger acid reflux. Some other foods that can trigger symptoms of acid reflux include citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, tomato-based sauces, chocolate, and peppermint.

These foods cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, lead to more stomach acid production, or make food stay in the stomach longer.

You do not have to completely eliminate these foods as part of an acid reflux diet. However, it is important to eat them in moderation. Also, try eating multiple small meals throughout the day instead of 2-3 large meals. Additionally, it is a good idea to avoid late-night snacks. Eating these foods close to bedtime means they are present in your stomach when you lie down and can cause more stomach acid, which can backflow into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

What are the 10 most acidic foods?

Some of the most acidic foods and drinks include:

Vinegar and apple cider vinegar
Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges
Vegetables such as tomatoes and rhubarb
Carbonated drinks (sodas)
Coffee (especially black coffee)
Chocolate
High-fat foods that contain saturated fats
Processed foods such as frozen foods, canned foods, packaged snacks
Alcohol
Red meat

If you have acid reflux or GERD, these foods can increase stomach acid levels and worsen symptoms. You may need to keep a food journal to identify exactly which foods trigger heartburn for you. Avoiding these trigger foods may help manage symptoms and prevent GERD. However, diet modifications alone may not cure GERD, and you may need to take medication.

What foods help acid reflux go away?

Certain foods can help to relieve heartburn. A GERD diet should include:

High-fiber foods such as whole grains (brown rice, couscous, oatmeal)
Green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)
Root vegetables (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes)
Alkaline foods (bananas, melon, cauliflower, fennel)
Healthy fats (unsaturated fats) such as in avocados, olive oil, nuts
Watery foods (celery, lettuce, cucumber, watermelon)
Lean protein or lean meats (chicken, turkey, and fish) - these should be cooked by grilling, baking, poaching, or broiling and not fried
Low-fat yogurt and milk
Herbal teas and broths

As you can see, a predominantly Mediterranean diet decreases acid reflux and can help reduce GERD symptoms.

Does drinking water help acid reflux symptoms?

Yes, drinking water may help with acid reflux symptoms. Low-fat milk, broths, and herbal teas are also useful in managing uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux.

What medications can improve symptoms of acid reflux?

Both over-the-counter medications and prescription medications are available to control symptoms. Non-prescription treatment options include:

Antacids that neutralize stomach acid or absorb stomach acid, for example, Mylanta, Tums, Rolaid
H2 blockers that reduce stomach acid production, for example, cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid HR), and famotidine (Pepcid AC)
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that stop the production of stomach acids and repair damage to the esophagus, for example, omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 Hour), and esomeprazole (Nexium 24 Hour)

If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications do not provide relief, your doctor may give you prescription-strength H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors. If medications do not help or you do not want to take medications long-term, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery such as fundoplication or placement of a LINX device. These procedures tighten the lower esophageal sphincter and keep the junction between the esophagus and stomach closed to prevent acid reflux and GERD symptoms.

References: