05.25.11
What Not to Eat: Foods that Trigger Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is when stomach acid escapes from the stomach and travels up the esophagus causing a sensation commonly referred to as heartburn. Certain foods can be the cause of acid reflux as they require the stomach to produce more acid, in order for thorough digestion. The extra acid then leaves the stomach thus causing acid reflux. The following are foods one should avoid to prevent acid reflux.
- Full-fat Dairy Products: This can include any dairy product such as sour cream, milk, cheese, and ice cream
- Tomatoes: The tomato is the most common food that causes acid reflux due to its high acidity. Other high acidic foods to avoid are grapefruits, oranges, cranberries, lemons, raw onions, limes, and pineapples.
- Heavy sauces: Avoid creamy pasta sauces, marinara (made with tomatoes), rich salad dressings, and macaroni with cheese.
- Junk food: Chocolate, mashed potatoes, French fries, baked goods, and other fried foods are all common acid reflux triggers.
- Meat: Any type of meat with a high fat content such as lamb and marbled steak should be avoided.
- Beverages: Coffee (decaffeinated and caffeinated), alcohol, and most other caffeinated drinks can trigger acid reflux.
Along with taking acid reflux medications you can change your diet to prevent acid reflux.
Some safe foods you can eat include:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, green beans, peas, broccoli, corn, bananas, lettuce, fenugreek, spinach, baked potato, and cabbage are great. In general, most fruits and vegetables are safe for acid reflux except for citrus fruits and veggies.
- Meat: Low fat meats such as lean ground beef, deli meat, turkey, egg whites, fish, skinned chicken breast, fish are excellent choices.
- Grain Products: Multigrain bread, rice, soda crackers, graham crackers, and oatmeal are a few good examples.
- Dairy: For best results choose fat free dairy products such as fat free cheese, milk, and sour cream.