The Best And Worst Foods To Consume To Manage And Prevent Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter, which is at the base of the esophagus, isn’t working correctly, which in turn allows fluid from the stomach to enter the esophagus. It’s not fun to say the least, so today I put together a list of the best foods to help calm acid reflux along with foods that may trigger acid reflux (aka foods you want to avoid), as well as a short explanation on when you should talk to your doctor about it.

Best Foods for Acid Reflux

• Chicken breast – Be sure to remove the fatty skin on the chicken. Skip fried and instead choose baked, broiled or grilled chicken.

• Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers – These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach and will not cause painful gas.

• Brown rice – This complex carbohydrate is mild and filling, but make sure to avoid fried rice.

• Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.

• Oatmeal – Filling, hearty and healthy, this comforting breakfast food also works for lunch.

• Fennel – This low-acid vegetable has a mild licorice flavor and a natural soothing effect.

• Ginger – Steep caffeine-free ginger tea or chew on low-sugar dried ginger for a natural tummy tamer.

Worst Foods for Acid Reflux

In general, anything that is fatty, acidic or highly caffeinated should be avoided. The worst foods for acid reflux include:

• Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Go for teas without caffeine.

• Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pain and pressure. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea instead.

• Chocolate – This treat causes a plethora of acid reflux problems because it contains caffeine, fat and cocoa.

• Peppermint – Don’t be fooled by its reputation for soothing the tummy — peppermint is actually an acid reflux trigger.

• Grapefruit and orange – The high acidity of citrus fruits relaxes the esophagus and worsens symptoms.

• Tomatoes – Also avoid marinara sauce, ketchup and tomato soup as they’re all naturally high in acid.

• Alcohol – This has a double whammy effect. Alcohol stimulates acid production in the stomach.

• Fried foods – These are some of the worst foods for acid reflux. Skip the french fries, onion rings and fried chicken and instead cook on the grill or in the oven at home.

• Late-night snacks – Avoid eating anything two hours before you go to bed. Also, you can try eating four to five smaller meals throughout the day instead of two to three large meals.

When to Talk to Your Doctor About It

It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if the best foods for acid reflux do not relieve your symptoms. Other options can include lifestyle changes, medications to block acid, and surgical procedures on the esophagus sphincter in extreme cases.

Let us know in the comments below if you plan on taking out or adding any of these foods to your diet!