Diets to Reduce Acidity

Excess stomach acid can cause many issues, such as upset stomach, digestive problems and acid reflux. Reducing acidity in your stomach can be as easy as changing your diet and making lifestyle changes for the better. Try learning some tips on how to refine your diet to reduce the acidity that may cause pain.

Avoid Certain Beverages

Don't drink certain beverages that can be hard on your stomach, causing it to secrete more acid than necessary. The No. 1 beverage to refrain from, or at least cut back on, is alcohol. Alcohol destroys the lining in your stomach, leading to more acid production. Other harmful drinks are those containing caffeine, which acts much like alcohol does on stomach lining, and carbonated sodas, which bloat your stomach. Try and stick to water, which is gentle and aids in digestion.

Stick to Low Fat

Avoid foods high in fat; these are harder for the stomach to break down and digest. It's especially important to avoid fast food, which is traditionally over-processed and high in fat and grease. If you indulge in the occasional fast food, try to keep it in smaller portions.

No Acidic Fruits

Avoid certain fruits. These include citrus fruits and tomatoes, which both have an acidic base that increase acidity in your stomach. Try to eat fruits that are easier on your stomach such as bananas, kiwi, apples, watermelon and pears.

Eat Carbs

Get enough carbohydrates, specifically complex carbohydrates. These can soak up more stomach acid, helping to lower acidity levels. Complex carbohydrates include foods such as breads and pastas. However, how breads and pastas are prepared can lead to more acidity. For example, if you're making pasta, don't add acidic tomato sauce to it; try using a little bit of virgin olive oil or butter to keep acid at bay.

Prep is Important

Pay attention to preparation in all cooking, using healthier means. For example, instead of fried chicken, grill with a bit of lemon pepper or basil, and instead of fat-heavy burgers, try extra-lean beef or turkey burgers. Or instead of French fries or veggies covered in butter, try steaming vegetables or sauteing with a bit of olive oil and seasoning.

Don't Overeat

Make sure you stick with small, frequent meals instead of eating three large ones a day. When your stomach is overloaded with food, it has to produce more stomach acid to process all of it. Try to eat smaller meals six times a day that will leave you satisfied, but not in a bloated state of heartburn and pain.

Put Down the Cigarettes

Avoid nicotine, a big contributor to increased stomach acid. Smoking weakens your stomach lining, causing increased acid and a relaxed esophagus that allows for acid reflux to occur.