Acid Reflux Diet: Foods to Enjoy

Acid Reflux Diet – Foods to Enjoy

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also known as Acid Reflux Disease.

Millions of people have the disease and suffer from the pain every day. For many people, acid reflux is a life-long problem.

There are many different factors that contribute to acid reflux. One of the most common factors: diet. For many people, no matter what they eat, acid reflux and heartburn always reoccur. Sometimes, it seems that nearly every type of enjoyable food or beverage is on the “do not eat” list. Good news: the following foods are frequently acceptable for a proper acid reflux diet.

• Chicken without fat and skin
• Fish and most seafood
• Extra-lean red meats, either broiled or grilled
• Rice, brown or white (rice cakes are OK, too)
• Potato, baked or mashed
• Pasta
• Vegetable, steamed or cooked
• Graham crackers
• Cheese: soy, goat, feta or fat-free cream cheese

A useful way of thinking about foods which may cause heartburn is “after dinner foods”, that is to say, mints, coffee, tea and fatty foods such as cake, ice cream, and chocolates. These foods are definitely not reflux-friendly. Acceptable sweets include jelly beans, fat-free cookies and red licorice.

The following foods should be avoided, as they

• Tea and Coffee (including decaf)
• Fruit and vegetable juices such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, and tomato juice
• Carbonated beverages of all types
• Milk and buttermilk
• Beer, wine and hard liquor
• Oatmeal and other fibrous breakfast cereals
• Fruits such as kiwis, apples, melons and bananas, raw peaches, plums and strawberries
• Vegetables such as raw onions, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, pepper, turnip and eggplant
• Fatty foods such as bacon, eggs, sausage, hotdog, cold cuts (i.e. bologna, salami, pepperoni), Italian sandwich, hamburger, meatloaf, gyro, stews, shepherd’s pie and pizza
• Deep-fried: such as french-fries, potato chips, hash browns and fried clams.
• Spicy: such as burritos, tacos, curry and Cajun food.
• Sauces: such as tomato sauce, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, horseradish, gravy, salsa and salad dressings containing lime/lemon juice and vinegar
• Most Mexican, Indian, and Chinese foods served in restaurants…this is due to their beans, spices, and fat content
• Hot & sour soups, thick soups, bean soups, cream based soups, soups containing beans and legumes.
• Pickled foods and dehydrated foods such as dates.

This is not a complete list. Every person is different. Some people with acid reflux may have no problems eating these foods, while others have to avoid them like the plague in order to remain reflux-free. If you suffer from acid reflux, it’s always good to keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat and drink. List any symptoms you experience. If you encounter further problems, the diary will be a great help for your doctor (traditional or alternative medicine) or nutritionist.