What types of foods should someone with acid reflux avoid?

People with acid reflux should try to avoid foods and beverages that can cause or aggravate symptoms. Some of the most common triggers include:

1. Fatty or Fried Foods: High-fat foods, such as fried chicken, french fries, and fatty cuts of meat, can delay gastric emptying and increase the risk of reflux.

2. Citrus Fruits and Juices: The acidity in citrus fruits and juices like orange, grapefruit, and lemon can irritate the stomach and worsen reflux.

3. Spicy Foods: Spicy foods, such as chili peppers, cayenne pepper, and curry, can irritate the lining of the esophagus and aggravate acid reflux symptoms.

4. Tomatoes and Tomato-Based Products: Tomatoes and tomato-based products like ketchup, tomato sauce, and salsa are highly acidic and can trigger reflux.

5. Chocolate: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), leading to an increased risk of reflux.

6. Coffee and Caffeinated Beverages: Caffeine can stimulate acid production and relax the LES, promoting the occurrence of acid reflux.

7. Alcohol: Alcohol, especially red wine and beer, can aggravate acid reflux symptoms by irritating the stomach lining and impairing the proper function of the LES.

8. Carbonated Beverages: Carbonated drinks like soda and sparkling water can cause pressure buildup in the stomach, resulting in the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

9. Garlic and Onions: These vegetables can cause irritation and heartburn in some people, leading to increased acid reflux.

10. Peppermint: Peppermint can relax the LES and increase the likelihood of reflux. It's commonly used in some candies, chewing gums, and herbal teas.

It's essential to identify and avoid individual trigger foods, as what may cause reflux symptoms in one person may not affect another. Keeping a food journal and working with a healthcare professional or dietitian can help determine specific triggers and create a personalized dietary plan to manage acid reflux.