Diet Plan for Acid Reflux

A very common disorder, acid reflux results when digestive acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus through a band of muscles called the LES, or lower esophageal sphincter. The LES normally relaxes only to let food and beverages enter the stomach.

With acid reflex, the LES relaxes inappropriately, exposing the lower esophagus to stomach acid for prolonged periods. Complications of recurring acid reflux, or GERD, include esophageal ulcers. Dietary changes may reduce or prevent acid reflux.

Tracking Your Acid Reflux Symptoms

• No single diet will manage the symptoms of acid reflux, according to the University of Illinois' McKinley Health Center. Use the process of elimination instead to determine which foods give you trouble.

  Record the foods and beverages you consume and the problems they cause in a journal. After a week you'll be well on your way to understanding which ones set off your acid reflux.

  Include in your entries the foods and/or beverages you consume, the time of day you have them, and the symptoms they produce.

  Likely suspects for causing acid reflux are:
  Alcohol
  Tomatoes and tomato products
  Citrus juices
  Mint
  Garlic and onions
  Carbonated drinks
  Calcium in milk

  Both caffeinated and decaf coffee can be troublesome for some people.

Limiting Acid Reflux

• Relieve your acid reflux and develop some habits useful for your diet plan by making some dietary changes while you're keeping a journal.

  Limit high-fat or fried foods. They raise the chances of reflux by relaxing your LES muscles and slowing digestion. Eating several small meals instead of one or two large ones each day also reduces pressure on the LES.

  Cut down on chocolate. It contains methylxanthine, which can relax your esophageal sphincter muscles and lead to acid reflux.

Tips for Your Long-term Plan

• After isolating and eliminating the foods that trigger acid reflux, take steps to reduce the problem further. If you're overweight, follow a sensible weight loss plan to relieve pressure on your stomach.

  Learn to schedule your last meal of the day no later than three hours before bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach can trigger reflux.

  Get adequate amounts of water each day. Doing so will dilute your stomach acid. So will chewing on non-mint flavored gum or munching a sweet pickle to stimulate saliva production.