What Should You Eat If You Have Acid Reflux?

The foods eaten by a person suffering from acid reflux can make a tremendous difference in regard to the severity and regularity of the symptoms he experiences. This is because particular foods are more prone to aggravate the condition than others. It's a good idea for a person who suffers from acid reflux to closely monitor his diet and external factors such as stress, which can further complicate the condition.

Significance

People with acid reflux are advised to eat small meals throughout the day, as opposed to three big ones, as eating large quantities of food at once may cause increased pressure in the stomach and worsen the condition.

Beverages

Stay clear of beverages such as soda, wine, caffeinated tea or coffee and acidic juices (orange, grapefruit, lemon, cranberry, tomato) and stick to mineral water, caffeine-free tea and acid-free juices such as apple juice.

Vegetables

Broccoli, cabbage, fennel, carrots, green beans and peas are typically considered safe for those with acid reflux, as opposed to onions, potatoes and fried vegetables.

Meats, Fish and Proteins

Extra-lean varieties of meat such as ground beef, skinless chicken breast, steak, London broil, fish and egg whites or substitute eggs are fine to have. Keep away from fried meats (chicken nuggets, fish sticks), highly seasoned meats (chicken/buffalo wings, spare ribs) and marbled sirloin.

Grains

Multigrain, corn and white bread; bran, rice and oatmeal cereals; rice cakes; unseasoned pretzels and graham crackers; rice; and whole wheat pastas are safe; however, adding sauces and other toppings to the above (for example, macaroni with cheese, cream or tomato sauce) can promote acid reflux symptoms.

Additional Foods

Safe dairy products include feta or goat cheese, fat-free cream cheese, sour cream, reduced-fat yogurt, milk and ice cream (products that are low in fat or fat-free are the best). Low-fat and fat-free sweets or snacks (jelly beans, licorice, baked chips, pudding and cookies) are also acceptable in the acid reflux diet.