Foods You Should Avoid If You Suffer From Acid Re-flux
Acid reflux is a digestive problem. It’s characterized by a strong burning sensation in the upper part of the abdomen. It almost always extends to the esophagus and mouth. It occurs when the esophageal sphincter weakens. Thus enabling acidic substances to pass into the upper part of the body. The pain can be mild or strong. In fact, in some cases, it gets confused with the pain of a heart attack. Its main cause is bad food combinations and large servings. However, it can also happen due to specific anomalies in the esophagus and digestive diseases. It doesn’t tend to be serious and usually occurs sporadically. However, it’s essential to treat it so that it doesn’t generate other complications. Also, to control it fully, certain foods that tend to worsen the problem. That’s why you should avoid them.
In this article, are main foods that make it worse so that you can try to exclude them from your diet.
#1 Garlic and onions
Onions can be one of the worst offenders for individuals suffering from severe re-flux. Garlic can too, but not as commonly. However, the combination of onion and garlic together can often be problematic.
#2 Carbonated Drinks
Soda and other carbonated beverages are some of the main causes of acid re-flux. The bubbles of carbonation expand inside the stomach, and the increased pressure contributes to re-flux. Sodas with caffeine and those that are acidic (almost all) are even worse. Of the beverages that were tested, Coke, Tab, and Diet Pepsi were the most acidic. All carbonated beverages can be a problem, so the authors recommend abstaining completely to avoid acid re-flux.
#3 Tomatoes and citrus fruit
Fruits and vegetables are important in a healthy diet. But certain fruits can cause or worsen GERD symptoms, especially highly acidic fruits. If you have frequent acid re-flux, you should reduce or eliminate your intake of the following foods:
oranges
grapefruit
lemons
limes
pineapple
tomatoes
tomato sauce or foods that use it, such as pizza and chili
salsa
#4 Spicy Foods
They’re one of the most common foods patients with acid re-flux complain as triggering re-flux symptoms, but research shows that spicy foods do not affect the pressure with which the esophageal sphincter snaps shut. The problem, rather, may be that spicy foods irritate the esophagus. What’s more, if the dish contains onions (and many spicy ones do), they could contribute to any re-flux symptoms.
#5 Alcohol
Alcohol can be a massive trigger for heartburn attacks. Red wine and beer are particularly likely to cause acid re flux. Alcohol relaxes your esophageal sphincter, allowing for stomach acid to creep up. Drinking alcohol with a large meal is a recipe for disaster as it increases the risk for acid re-flux. If you enjoy a drink with your meal, eat smaller portions to minimize your risk of heartburn.
#6 Fried Food
More challenging to digest, fried foods, and foods high in trans-fats, wreak havoc on the digestive tract. These foods are heavy and slow down the overall digestive process, leaving excess acids that can eventually move upward into the esophagus. Fried fats also remain stuck in the digestive process for longer periods of time, and can create increased pressure in the stomach.
#7 Beef
Beef may seem innocuous in causing heartburn. Unfortunately beef can be high in fat, which can cause acid re-flux. Expensive cuts such as filet mignon, porterhouse, New York strip, and T-bone steaks are all high fat cuts of beef. Instead, opt for lean cuts of beef. These include sirloin tip, top round, eye of round, and top sirloin. Low fat cuts of beef can be tough, so marinate or stew the meat for best results.
#8 Peppermint
The interesting thing about peppermint is it’s able to soothe an upset stomach, calm skin irritations, and even numb headaches. The unfortunate thing is it relaxes your sphincter (that muscle separating your esophagus from your stomach), so it makes the symptoms of heartburn way worse by improving the flow of bile. You’re best off skipping that after-dinner mint if acid re-flux is an issue for you.
#9 Chocolate
Cocoa is naturally acidic. When combined with milk and sugar, it increases re-flux symptoms. If you consume chocolate on a regular basis, it may be beneficial to reduce to about one small serving a week. Dark chocolate also works better than milk or white chocolate.
#10 Coffee
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, some teas, and soda will trigger acid re-flux symptoms. They are best avoided altogether. Try jogging or yoga for your morning jolt instead.
