Acid Reflux Diet

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that requires careful attention to diet for successful management. The acid reflux diet is primarily a list of foods that may be eaten and foods that should be avoided in an effort to control the uncomfortable and often painful symptoms of GERD.

What Is GERD?

GERD is a condition in which the lower sphincter of the esophagus does not close as it should, allowing stomach contents to return upward through the esophagus. Thus, the acids in the stomach contents cause heartburn. While occasional heartburn is not serious, any heartburn (or taste of stomach acid in the back of the throat) that occurs more than twice in one week on a regular basis should be evaluated by a doctor. Acid reflux can cause severe health problems, and when left untreated it can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

What Are The Symptoms

The primary symptom of GERD is persistent heartburn and/or actual regurgitation of small amounts of acidic matter. Other symptoms include morning hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, halitosis (bad breath), a persistent dry cough, or a feeling of something being stuck in the throat.

Causes Of Acid Reflux

While not all causes of this health problem have been identified, some evidence suggests that hiatal hernia is a significant contributing factor. Other factors that contribute to acid reflux include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and, sometimes, pregnancy.

First Steps In Controlling GERD

If you are diagnosed with GERD, your doctor will give you instructions on the acid reflux diet, which is basically what you should and should not eat. He or she will also probably prescribe an antacid (e.g., Tums or Mylanta), proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Nexium or Prilosec), or H2 blockers (e.g., Tagamet or Zantac).

If you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages, you will be asked to quit. If you are obese, your doctor will suggest a weight-loss regimen that includes a low-fat, calorie-restricted diet along with low-impact exercise like walking. GERD patients are often advised to avoid tight-fitting clothing and to raise the head of their bed about six inches. In addition, you should avoid lying down for at least two hours after meals, and you should eat smaller meals to avoid overfilling the stomach.

Acid Reflux Diet

Essentially, what works best for acid reflux patients is a diet that is healthy and well-balanced, with minimal processed or fried foods. Plenty of water and no caffeinated beverages are also important features of a proper acid reflux diet.

For acid reflux patients, food is generally divided into two or three categories: safe foods and foods to avoid. The safe foods may be divided further into foods that may be eaten freely and foods that may be eaten occasionally in small portions.

• Avoid: citrus fruits, cranberry juice, tomatoes and tomato-based foods, peppers, onions, spicy foods, most dairy products, caffeine, high-fat foods, deli meat, cheese, fatty cuts of meat, alcohol, and chocolate.
• Be Careful: berries, grapes, garlic, lean meats, yogurt, non-alcoholic beers and wines, sodas, reduced-fat cookies.
• Enjoy: apples, bananas, broccoli, carrots, peas, green beans, chicken breast, fish, fat-free or low-fat cheeses, whole-grain bread, brown rice.

A Manageable Problem

With a little attention and care, GERD can be controlled with diet and exercise, although most patients will require medication of some type and medical supervision. The acid reflux diet is a healthy approach to eating, even for those who do not have GERD.

Related Diet Links

• Low Cholesterol Diet
• American Heart Association Diet
• The Mayo Clinic Plan
• Diverticulitis Diet
• Eating a Healthy Diet: The Basics