Reducing the sensation of heartburn is as easy as knowing the
different foods to avoid with acid reflux. Heartburn occurs when the LES
of the stomach, or the lower esophageal sphincter, is weakened due to
several reasons. When the muscle is weakened, it causes the acid content
of the stomach to reflux, thus the burning sensation.
Managing
the symptoms of heartburn does not mean total avoidance of food. It
simply means avoiding those that can increase your stomach's acid
production and those that increase the level of acidity in your stomach.
Below is a list of the foods that you need to keep clear from in order
to avoid acid reflux.
- Fruits are healthy and very nutritious, but some fruits can increase the acidity of your stomach. Some fruits you need to avoid adding to your diet include citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges, which are highly-acidic. Tomatoes should also be avoided. Juices that are derived from fruits like cranberry and grapefruit are a big no-no.
- Raw onions should be crossed out from your diet list.
- Consumption of dairy products such as ice cream, milkshakes and sour cream should be minimized.
- Spaghetti with tomato sauce and other pastas with tomato-based sauces and dairy products should be crossed off the list.
- Also avoid meat and meat products like ground beef, buffalo wings and chicken nuggets.
- If you are a fan of spicy cuisines, sadly, you have to give these up. Spicy foods tend to irritate the lining of the esophagus and stomach, thus increasing the probability of the causing a burning sensation.
- Foods that are especially high in fats and oils are also foods to avoid with acid reflux. Fatty foods are known to relax the lower esophageal muscle, but the muscle should be tight to prevent the acid from creeping back up to the esophageal tract. Fast-food restaurants and fried foods should be eliminated from the diet to prevent heartburn.
- Keep away from foods and beverages that contain caffeine. These include teas, coffee and even sodas. If you can't stay away, choose products that are caffeine-free such as decaffeinated coffee.
- Carbonated drinks like sodas, whether they are caffeine-free should be added to the list of the foods to avoid. Since they are carbonated, they put pressure on the stomach and can easily force stomach contents back up into the esophagus.
- Chocolate and chocolate products like hot chocolate, brownies, and anything that contains chocolate should be limited in the diet.
- Avoid drinking beverages that contain alcohol. Drinking wine, champagne and beer could lead to a heartburn episode.
- Mint-flavored foods (and mint itself) are known to cause stomach acid reflux.
This
list of foods to avoid with acid reflux may look a bit overwhelming,
but once you decide to follow it, you will see a decrease in your
heartburn symptoms. Avoiding certain foods may be quite difficult; a
great solution is to reduce your intake. Minimizing your meal portions
and drinking lots of water are also additional ways on how to reduce
heartburn.
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