A special acid reflux diet can help control GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Knowing which foods trigger or aggravate acid reflux symptoms reduces the risk of heartburn and GERD complications.
How Food Affects Acid Reflux
Food can trigger heartburn and GERD symptoms in two ways. Some foods increase stomach acid production. Excess acid leaks into the esophagus, and GERD symptoms result.
Other foods relax the lower esophagus sphincter (LES). The LES is a ring of muscle separating the esophagus from the stomach. The LES usually only opens when food passes from the esophagus into the stomach.
If the LES muscle relaxes at inappropriate times, acid enters the esophagus. Peppermint in any form is notorious for relaxing the LES, and should be avoided by anyone on an acid reflux special diet.
Diet and Acid Reflux Causes
Dietary choices are not listed amongst GERD causes. Food triggers or worsens GERD symptoms, but does not actually cause the condition. Following a GERD diet won't cure acid reflux disease, but it can greatly reduce the severity and frequency of heartburn.
How Effective is an Acid Reflux Diet?
How well a special acid reflux diet works depends on a number of factors:
- The frequency and severity of heartburn / GERD symptoms
- Individual food triggers
- An individuals' willingness to stick to a GERD diet.
Mild cases of GERD can often be controlled with an acid reflux diet. Severe GERD certainly benefits from a special acid reflux diet, but other GERD treatments may also be needed for complete symptom relief.
Alcohol and the GERD Diet
Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, or avoided altogether, by people on an acid reflux diet. Like peppermint, alcohol relaxes the esophageal sphincter. If alcohol is consumed, avoid lying down or going to bed for at least three hours. Lying prone increases the amount of acid reflux that enters the esophagus.
Foods to Avoid on an Acid Reflux Diet
A GERD diet isn't very complicated; it simply avoids or limits the consumption of foods known to trigger acid reflux. Fried and fatty foods are common GERD triggers, and simply limiting consumption of these two groups can improve GERD symptoms, as well as improving overall health.
Other dietary acid reflux triggers include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Onions and garlic
- Peppermint
- Sodas
- Spicy food
- Tea and coffee
- Tomatoes and tomato-based foods.
Customizing an Acid Reflux Special Diet
A food lover with GERD might regard an acid reflux diet with horror. After all, most of the acid reflux triggers listed in the GERD diet are very popular foods. Do you really have to choose between acid reflux relief and chocolate?
It depends. GERD food triggers differ slightly from one person to the next. Spicy food may not trigger GERD in one individual, while a second may experience severe acid reflux symptoms from spicy foods. Everyone's tolerance for GERD triggers is different.
The best way to determine acid reflux triggers is to keep a food diary. Take note of what you eat, how much, and when. Also note which foods trigger GERD symptoms. Over time, a food diary reveals your personal food triggers, as well as which foods don't result in acid reflux symptoms.
Bear in mind that an absence of symptoms does not rule out asymptomatic, or silent, reflux. Undetected acid reflux can damage the esophagus over time. A food diary is very helpful, but is best used in conjunction with medical care from qualified health professionals.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
