Those suffering from acid reflux know that it can be a very painful condition. It is important to remember that it is possible to minimize some of the negative symptoms of this condition. Certain foods can aggravate acid reflux, increasing the pain and heartburn-like feeling of this disease. A brief summary of dietary suggestions to improve acid reflux symptoms is included below.

Eat More Frequently

Most doctors suggest that patients suffering from acid reflux avoid eating in the traditional style of three large meals a day. Instead, those with acid reflux should consume many small meals throughout the day, allowing the stomach time to digest these meals completely before eating again. Patients should also ensure that the final evening meal is consumed two to three hours before bed. Eating smaller meals reduces the amount of acid that builds up in the stomach at one time. This decreases the likelihood that the acid will back-up the esophagus, resulting in pain. Further, consuming an evening meal well before bed allows for complete digestion before sleeping, a time when many people claim that acid reflux pains are at their worst.

What to Avoid

There are foods in each food group that can cause acid reflux symptoms. Conversely, some foods actually serve to reduce gastrointestinal pressure, improving the condition. Some foods that should always be avoided include those that are high in fat or contain caffeine, chocolate, mint, or alcohol, as these ingredients may contribute to heartburn and other problems.

Grains and Produce

When choosing grains, whole grains prepared without additional fats are the best option. Multi-grain, or whole grain corn, oat, and wheat products are all good foods for those with acid reflux. Refined grain products, such as white bread or white rice, are not good choices. Most fresh vegetables are safe to eat for those with acid reflux. However, acidic vegetables, such as tomatoes, should be avoided. Additionally, deep-frying is not a safe method of preparation. Steamed or sauteed cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, are all great choices. Carrots, celery, green beans, and peas are other great choices to minimize acid production. With fruits, it is again advisable to avoid those that are high in acid, such as citrus fruits and pineapple. Bananas, apples, and fresh berries are some of the best fruits to eat.

Dairy and Meat

People with acid reflux should avoid high-fat dairy products. Instead, skim milk and skim milk products are a better choice. The same is true for meat. High fat meats, such as ground beef or bacon, should be avoided. Healthier choices include fish, turkey, and skinless chicken.

While it can be difficult to live with a condition such as acid reflux, there are a number of lifestyle changes that help reduce the painful symptoms of such a disorder. Simple dietary changes, such as those listed above, can go a long way to improve quality of life. For other natural solutions to mend acid reflex symptoms, be sure to download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!

Acid reflux is a hazard, to say the very least. Those suffering from acid reflux know firsthand what an inconvenience it is to enjoy a good meal only to have it followed by the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. It seems the body reacts in a harsh manner as a result of food consumption and many sufferers feel like they simply can’t win. You must eat to live but it feels as if eating is killing you. What acid reflux sufferers should know is that it’s not the fact THAT you eat that is causing your body great harm; it’s WHAT you’re eating that’s doing it.

A little about what’s happening to your body when you experience acid reflux just to offer background information. When you are suffering from acid reflux, the body is allowing acids and enzymes from your stomach that are used to aid in food digestion to escape the stomach and make way into the esophagus causing a burning in the chest and throat. The ring of muscle at the entrance of the stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) normally closes immediately after food passes through to protect the esophagus from stomach acids. If the LES doesn’t close or it opens unexpectedly, the acids will likely escape resulting in acid reflux.

The great thing to know is that food is not your enemy. Well, not most foods. There are those foods that when ingested are more likely to bring on an acid reflux reaction and these foods should be avoided at all cost. Please do not, by any means stop eating altogether because your acid reflux is seemingly unbearable or you’re having difficulty swallowing due to dyspagia, which is a narrowing of the esophagus as a result of acid reflux. Not eating may mean no acid reflux but it also means that you may run the risk of many other illnesses. Keep in mind that eating is a great thing, especially when done often at small portions. Simply find the foods that work best for you. To include good foods, we must first eliminate bad foods. Here are a few suggestions:

Avoid foods that are obviously high in acid. Fruits such as tomato and lemons and high acid fruit juices including orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and lemonade should be avoided at all cost. Opt instead to drink lots of water and aloe vera juice. These liquids aid in digestion while stabilizing stomach acids. Also be weary of beer, coffee and soda, these drinks have high acidic levels. Try drinking vegetable juices if its flavor you’re looking for.

Avoid meats like marbled sirloin, chicken nuggets, buffalo wings and ground beef. These meats may be harder for your digestive system to break down and the hyperactivity of the digestive system can result in reflux.

This may be a tough one but grains like macaroni and cheese and spaghetti with sauce may not be the best for you; stand clear.

Shift your sweet tooth from brownies, chocolate, doughnuts and butter cookies and opt instead for non-acidic fruits. Not only will you notice an improvement in your reflux you may also notice a difference in your waistline.

For more information about acid reflux foods to avoid visit refluxremedy.com.