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.