Acid Reflux Diet and Nutrition Guide

Do you suffer from acid reflux or chronic? well diet and nutrition are key consideration if you suffer from acid reflux or chronic, they are known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRED). GRED is related not only to how you swallow food, but also the type of food that you eat. When you swallow, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) usually closes to keep food from returning up your esophagus after it enters your stomach. if the LES relaxes when it shouldn't, stomach acid and digestive juices can go back up the esophagus. This reflux action can lead to the uncomfortable or painful symptoms of GRED, Including heartburn, regurgitation, coughing, and choking. 

Tailoring Your Diet
Harvard Medical School pinpoints poor functioning of the LES as the culprit behind most cases of GRED. While some foods and beverages aren't problematic, others can make the LES malfunction or irritate the esophagus and exacerbate reflux. NO single diet can prevent all symptoms of GRED. However designing an appropriate meal plan for GRED involves finding the right foods you can tolerate and which "trigger" food worsen your symptoms. 

Keep a detailed personal food journal for one week to track what foods you eat, what time of the day you eat and any symptoms that you experience afterwards. Once you have identified the specific foods and drinks that help and hurt your condition, you can modify your diet accordingly. 

Foods That May Hurt
Although there's still some controversy in the medical community about which foods actually cause reflux symptoms, many researchers agree that avoiding certain types of foods and beverages may help prevent indigestion, heartburn, and other symptoms of acid reflux. 

High fat Foods: fried and fatty foods can decrease pressure on the LES and delay stomach emptying. This puts you at greater risk for reflux symtoms. 

• French fries and onion rings
• Full-fat dairy products such as butter, whole milk, regular cheese, and sour cream
• Fatty or fried cuts of beef, pork, or lamb
• Bacon fat, ham fat, and lard
• High-fat desserts or snacks like ice cream and potato chips
• Cream Sauces, Gravies, and Creamy salad dressing

Tomatoes and Citrus Fruit: As important as fruits and vegetables are to a healthy diet, certain item have been shown to commonly cause or worsen GRED symptom in many people. Examples include: 

• Oranges 
• Grapefruits
• Lemons
• Limes
• Pineapple
• Tomatoes
• Tomato Sauce
• Salsa
• Chili
• Pizza

Foods That May Help

• Yogurt 
• Probiotics
• Peanut Butter
• Fiber

From: HealthLine, written by: Robin Madell, George Krucik, MD