Acid Reflux Foods To Avoid

Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid

Here are some acid reflux foods to avoid and relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. One of the major culprits causing acid reflux is alcohol, too bad for the drinkers among us. Take heart though, it is probably only excessive drinking that is to blame.

Recent studies have shown that a couple of glasses of wine with your dinner will not hurt you. Although, there is some argument as to whether red or white is better.

Personally, I prefer red wine it has resveratrol, which fights cancer. I find white wine more acidic and therefore assumed that it would be more likely to cause acid reflux. However, as alcohol prevents the esophageal sphincter from working properly and thus allows stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, the acidity of the alcohol may be irrelevant.

When drinking alcohol, limit quantities and dilute it with water or a mixer. You can also dilute wine with water or lemonade. Bubbly drinks like champagne and beer should be avoided.

There are other acid reflux foods to avoid, namely: chocolate, peppermint, coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks like colas and citrus fruit juices. They also inhibit the normal workings of the esophageal sphincter.

The esophageal sphincter is the valve that allows food and drinks to enter the stomach, and normally stops the stomach contents from reentering the esophagus. So keep intake of foods that cause acid reflux to an absolute minimum, if you cannot give them up completely.

Chewing gum and eating hard sweets allow excessive air to be swallowed, potentially causing gas and acid reflux.

Unfortunately, for those of us that like meat, fatty and fried foods also delay the emptying of the stomach so avoid any fatty meat. Salamis, sausages and patés found on the delicatessen counter should also be avoided. Fatty foods also include whole milk, cheese, cream, butter, and margarine.

In some people, tomatoes can aggravate the condition, as can spices such as fresh or dried chilies and chili powder and any derivatives like Tabasco.

As with any acid reflux diet, moderation is recommended with condiments like Worcestershire and soy sauces and any sort of horseradish or mustard .

All is not bad news and prohibitions. You can eat, as much as you want, of vegetables (tomatoes are a fruit), fish, skinless chicken and turkey, apples, peaches, melons, pears and berries.

Foods to eat with acid reflux include low fat spreads and cottage cheese. You can drink skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, and water. You can drink as much water as you want. In fact, drink more than you want. It’s good for you.

Here are some other things to consider in addition to acid reflux foods to avoid:

• Eat smaller meals and more often

• Don’t eat just before going to bed.

• Raise the head of the bed or use pillows to raise your head when you sleep.

• Avoid tight clothing around the waistline.

• Quit smoking. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.

• If you are overweight, lose it. Being overweight will only worsen your heartburn and acid reflux.

Moderation is the key. Only in extreme cases do we need strict and rigid diets. Everyone is different. Foods that some people can tolerate others cannot. Some foods cause incredibly painful indigestion others do not. Just be aware of those foods to avoid with acid reflux that adversely affect you. Only you can tell.

Find out how you can rid yourself forever of acid reflux and heartburn. Learn more about  acid reflux foods to avoid.

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