With Acid Reflux, Foods May Cause Distress

If you have been diagnosed with acid reflux, foods that are highly acidic or high in fat will likely be the first to go from your diet. But, don't despair. There are plenty of alternative foods that you can enjoy. Once you adopt an acid reflux diet, your bothersome symptoms - burning in the chest, belching, and abdominal discomfort, may be reduced or disappear.

When your goal is to eliminate the symptoms of acid reflux, foods with a low acid content are good choices. These foods include apples, bananas, baked potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Additionally, low-fat foods that you may consider include skinless chicken breast, bread, and feta cheese.

Your doctor will probably instruct you to avoid foods such as citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, because they are highly acidic, and fried foods, sour cream, and ice cream, because they are high in fat. Snack foods, including cookies, chocolate, and potato chips, are likely to be taken out of your diet too, but alternatives, such as fat-free cookies and baked potato chips, can be substituted.

When trying to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, foods are only part of dietary changes to be considered. You may also consider choosing beverages, such as water, mineral water, or apple juice, which contain little or no acid. These are good alternatives to coffee and tea (caffeinated and decaffeinated), wine, beer, liquor, sodas, lemonade, orange juice, and grapefruit juice.

Acid reflux, experts say, is caused by the abnormal functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a valve located in between the esophagus and the stomach, which allows food to enter into the stomach during the normal digestion process. But, if your LES isn't functioning properly, it can relax at the wrong time, permitting partially digested food and stomach acid to escape into the esophagus. This can cause esophageal irritation and trigger "heartburn," belching, gas, and other symptoms.