A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux
is usually easy to follow. The basic food groups of cereals, vegetables,
fruits, dairy products, and meats can be eaten with only a few
limitations. So, this diet generally meets the Recommended Dietary
Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council. A vitamin C
supplement may be needed if an individual does not tolerate citrus foods
such as orange, tomato, etc.
Special
Considerations
ads
The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by
factors other than food. The following recommendations may be helpful in
reducing
acid reflux symptoms:
Stop using tobacco in
all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.
Avoid chewing gum and
hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air which, in
turn, leads to belching and reflux.
Do not lie down
immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.
Avoid tight clothing and
bending over after eating.
Eat small, frequent
portions of food and snack if needed.
Lose weight if
overweight. Obesity leads to increased acid reflux.
Elevate the head of the
bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra
pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.
The following foods
aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided:
fatty or fried foods
peppermint and
spearmint
whole milk
oils
chocolate
creamed foods or
soups
most fast foods
The following foods
irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and may need to be limited or
avoided:
citrus fruits and
juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato)
coffee (regular and
decaffeinated)
caffeinated soft
drinks
tea
other caffeinated
beverages
10. Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated by some
individuals.
ads
Acid reflux food
Group
Recommend
Avoid
Milk or milk products
skim, 1% or 2% low-fat milk; low-fat
or fat-free yogurt