Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctions, causing stomach acid to back up and enter the lower esophagus. The result is a painful sensation in the chest and below the ribs. Although typically just a nuisance, the condition can lead to more serious complications, such as Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer. One possible way to treat and prevent it is to avoid certain foods that can increase acid production.
About an Acid Reflux Diet
A diet designed for gastroesophageal reflux typically conforms to the guidelines set forth by the National Research Council with just a few exceptions. The diet should be followed as close as possible and in conjunction with a number of lifestyle changes to help minimize the chances of acid reflux. For example, consume only small meals five to six times throughout the day to prevent excess pressure on the stomach and the overproduction of acid. This will also help prevent overeating, which can lead to obesity and an increased risk of acid reflux due to the exorbitant amount of pressure that would be placed on the stomach.
After eating, don't lie down; however, if you must, sleep with your head elevated to allow gravity to work in your favor and keep the acid down in the stomach.
Drinks to Avoid
A number of beverages and their variations should be avoided to minimize the risk of acid reflux. While skim and low-fat milk can be consumed, whole milk (at least 4%) should be avoided, along with chocolate milk. Milk at times may relieve the pain associated with acid reflux but in fact can actually exacerbate acid reflux while you sleep.
Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks should be avoided, as they possess the potential to irritate the esophagus or increase the risk of belching, which can cause acid reflux. This is especially true for carbonated soft drinks such as Pepsi and Coca-Cola.
Foods to Avoid
Aside from being unhealthy for you, foods that are fried or possess a high fat content should be avoided in order to minimize the risk of acid reflux. Excessive amounts can put extra pressure on the stomach and take a long time to digest, causing not only an increase in acid production, but better conditions for acid reflux to occur.
Certain fruits, specifically citrus, should be avoided, as they are highly acidic and can easily exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. These include grapefruit, oranges and pineapples. Tomatoes should be avoided, as should any vegetable that has been fried.
While lean turkey, chicken and fish can be consumed, fattier meats and fatty parts of meat should be avoided. This means no chicken skin and no bacon.
Suggestions
Different foods cause different reactions in different people. What might be irritating for one person could have no effect on another. As a result, the best way to determine which foods or drinks exacerbate your acid reflux is through selective elimination. Remove one food you regularly eat for a week and see if symptoms subside. If they don't, the item is most likely not a culprit; however, if they do, then the food should be eliminated from the diet altogether. In the end, an acid reflux diet is at best a short-term solution to the problem.
In fact, a study published in the May 2006 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that the only long-term effective lifestyle treatment was eating less food and elevating the head while sleeping. Beer, however, is still a huge factor, as it can double the amount of acid produced in the stomach within an hour of consumption. Although following a special diet certainly does not hurt, certain supplements, such as vitamin C, may need to be taken to replace what is lost through the avoidance of certain foods.
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