11 Foods To Avoid For Acid Reflux
Many of us have experienced heartburn or acid reflux at some point in our lives. In this blog, we will list down 11 foods to avoid for acid reflux.
What is Acid Reflux?
When stomach acid returns to the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and stomach), acid reflux occurs, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
A weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle near the bottom of the esophagus, is the cause of this condition.
The LES prevents stomach contents from returning to your esophagus by acting as a barrier.
As a result, food travels smoothly to the stomach when the LES works normally.
However, nutrition and digestive fluids can flow back into the esophagus when the LES relaxes too much or becomes weak.
Discover 11 foods to avoid for acid reflux or to control it in this blog.
Also Read: Ayurvedic Guide to Treat GERD/ Acid Reflux Naturally
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
The symptoms of acid reflux can vary depending on what you eat; your body may react differently to different foods.
- Regurgitation (foods swallowed re-entering the mouth) or vomiting
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness (voice changes such as huskiness or scratchiness)
11 Foods To Avoid If You Are Suffering From Acid Reflux
Soda
Soda and other carbonated beverages are frequent causes of acid reflux.
This is because the carbon dioxide in these flavored drinks can cause gaseous distension of the stomach (bloating), which puts more pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and causes acid reflux.
Additionally, most sodas contain caffeine and acids like phosphoric acid and citric acid, which are common causes of acid reflux.
Carbonated beverages may cause acid reflux symptoms and raise a person's risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which acid reflux repeatedly occurs over time and can irritate the esophagus's lining.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like limes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and pineapples are naturally very acidic because they contain many citric acids.
Citrus fruits have acid, which can relax the LES and aggravate reflux symptoms.
Reducing the time it takes for your stomach to empty after eating and weakening the LES, certain compounds in citrus fruits can also increase the risk of GERD.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains methylxanthine, a chemical found in cocoa trees that has effects similar to caffeine and can potentially relax your LES.
In addition, Serotonin, a chemical messenger frequently referred to as the "feel-good hormone," can also be released by your intestines as a result of chocolate consumption.
A high level of Serotonin can relax the LES and aggravate reflux symptoms.
Acidic cocoa powder, caffeine, theobromine, and fat are other ingredients in chocolate that can cause reflux.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain malic and citric acid, which can aggravate heartburn in acid reflux patients. So, in addition to avoiding tomatoes, consider limiting your intake of tomato-based products like tomato juice, marinara sauce, and ketchup.
Spicy Foods
Ingredients like peppers, sriracha, Tabasco sauce, and chillies are packed with flavour and can add a kick to your favorite foods.
Spicy foods, on the other hand, were found to be the primary cause of acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are frequently more difficult for your stomach to digest, which can cause heartburn.
Spicy and fried foods as the primary cause of their acid reflux. Doughnuts, corn dogs, french fries, and chicken nuggets are all fried foods.
Fried foods may cause the release of bile salts and cholecystokinin, a hormone in the gastrointestinal tract that helps the digestion of fat and protein, esophageal irritants, according to some research.
This might make the LES relax and make the heartburn worse.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can directly harm the esophagus and impair the LES's ability to function.
Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate you, which can make acid reflux symptoms worse.
If you have acid reflux flare-ups, Ayurveda recommends avoiding alcohol altogether.
The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing GERD.
Limiting yourself to one alcoholic beverage per day and preventing acidic mixers like orange juice and carbonated drinks may be helpful if you cannot stop drinking alcohol.
Late-Night Snacks
Eating a meal or snack before bed can exacerbate acid reflux flare-ups because bedtime meals are frequently consumed immediately after eating.
This makes it challenging to prevent stomach contents from returning to the esophagus, which can lead to heartburn or regurgitation.
Ayurveda advise people with acid reflux not to lie down after meals or eat more than three to four hours before bed to avoid these symptoms.
Dairy with a lot of fat
Although dairy products with a lot of fat can provide essential nutrients for bone health, these foods can cause heartburn in people who have acid reflux.
Fatty Cuts of Meat
Due to their tendency to remain in the stomach for a more extended period, fatty cuts of meat can increase the likelihood of acid reflux flare-ups.
Bacon, sausage, and lunch or deli meats are fatty meats. Steak and filet mignon, two other types of red meat, are also known to be high in fat. The frequency you experience symptoms can be reduced by choosing lean protein sources like moong, lean meat, etc.
Caffeine
Drinking several cups of coffee or tea each morning or high-fat specialty coffees from your neighborhood café can exacerbate reflux symptoms.
Caffeine, which can weaken the LES, is found in most teas and coffees. Reduce esophageal irritation by limiting coffee and other caffeinated beverages if you experience acid reflux symptoms.
Also Read: Home remedies for acid reflux
How to Treat Acid Reflux Naturally?
Acid reflux is a common but frustrating digestive condition many people will experience at some point in their lives. A condition known as GERD may be the cause of persistent acid reflux.
Fortunately, Ayurveda suggests changing dietary and lifestyle can help reduce acid reflux.
Spicy, fatty, acidic, and soda-containing foods and drinks have been shown to exacerbate symptoms for many people.
Ayushakti Ayurved treatment help to treat acid reflux by customizing your diet and lifestyle changes plan, along with home remedies, effective herbal medicines, and detox therapies to flush down all the piled up toxins in your body.
Why Ayushakti’s natural approach & no chemicals ?
Chemical antacids just gives symptomatic relief till you take them & long term use is connected with many side effects like:
- Osteoporosis , vitamin B deficiencies as , they block the secretion of digestive juices.
- Gas or belching
- Swelling & water retention in the feet, ankles, and hands
- Constipation or diarrhea.
What Benefit do you get through Ayushakti’s “Acidotox” Treatment?
- Remarkable & rapid reduction in frequent heartburn & acid reflux, bloating.
- No Gas, burping, stomach ache, mouth ulcer, nausea or headache.
- Creates robust digestion, gut health and relieves constipation.
- Relieves inflammation , heals red erosions effectively & ulcers thus permanent relief in chronic discomfort, pain & bloating.
- Increases your capacity to fight indigestion and H .pylori infections.
- Finally , improving your nutrient absorption & giving lasting relief from chronic tiredness.
- No dependence on any pain killers & no side effects.
Contact your Ayushakti Ayurved experts if you are experiencing acid reflux to get started on a custom treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. Consult Now!
Takeaway:
If you have acid reflux, you will probably need to change your diet and your lifestyle.
You might also need to avoid food for acid reflux mentioned above. Like Avoid smoking, eat small, frequent meals, and follow a low-acid diet. Elevate your head when you sleep.
Ayushakti's mission is to help people in every possible way. You can consult our experts on phone or video. We will suggest diet & home remedies for maintaining your well-being in these difficult times.
Book your consultation here - https://bit.ly/3XiG50D
For more information write to us at info@ayushakti.com
You may contact us on our toll-free numbers - 18002663001 (India) & +18002800906 (Global)
Author of the Blog: Dr Datt Bapardekar
Expert Review By: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
