Going on an acid reflux diet is often the best strategy for improving the acidity levels in your gut and relieving your symptoms.
What is the Acid Reflux Diet?
The acid reflux diet is designed to help improve digestive health, eliminate the symptoms of acid reflux, and boost your immune system to prevent this type of stomach disorder. The amount of acid your stomach produces is largely dependent on the foods that you eat, so shaping your diet to avoid acid-producing foods is essential. The more common name for acid reflux is heartburn, a condition in which digestive juices enter the esophagus, which can result in a burning sensation. Some of the other common symptoms of acid reflux include chest pains and trouble digesting certain foods. This diet can re-set your stomach and also establish healthy dietary habits, which will prevent these symptoms in the future. [1] [2]
Diet for Acid Reflux
When following an acid reflux diet, there are many foods that are safe to eat and can help remedy these symptoms.
Acid reflux, if not treated, can prove to be fatal. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Foods to Include
- Ginger
- Oatmeal
- Aloe vera juice
- Melon
- Chicken
- Fish
- Banana
- Parsley
- Celery
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- Pears
- Egg whites
Foods to Avoid
- Egg yolks
- Bacon
- Fatty cuts of meat
- Sour cream
- High-fat dairy products
- Junk food
- Ice cream
- Creamy salad dressings
- Gravy
- Garlic and onions
- Spicy foods
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Citrus fruits
Lifestyle Changes to Avoid Acid Reflux
Aside from altering your diet, there are also some lifestyle changes that can help to remedy the symptoms acid reflux, including quitting smoking, consuming less alcohol, and trying to lose weight.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol beyond moderation is bad for your health in a number of ways, but when it comes to acid reflux disease, it can worsen the symptoms and bring on more frequent attacks. In other words, cut back on the booze and you’ll feel a lot better. [3]
Clothing Choice
Wearing tight and restrictive clothing, particularly around the waist or belt areas, can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse, as your stomach will be unnaturally squeezed. [4]
Smoking
For various reasons, smoking can make it more difficult for your stomach to keep acids out of your esophagus, so making a concerted effort to quit can go a long way towards your comfort. [5]
Losing Weight
Extra weight means more pressure on your stomach, which can worsen your symptoms, so try to shed some pounds. [6]
Meal Structure
Eating smaller meals more often will reduce the workload of your gut and help to improve your acidic balance. [7]
Word of Caution: If you are going to pursue this type of diet, there are a few precautions you should take, such as avoiding nutrient deficiencies. When you eliminate a sizable portion of your diet, it can be difficult to get all of the nutrients that your body needs on a daily basis. While you may cut down on your acidity levels, you may be causing other metabolic problems. It is best to structure any new diet during a conversation with your doctor.
