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Does Eating Sweets Aggravate Acid Reflux?

If you have acid reflux, go easy on desserts and sweets. Foods made with refined sugars, such as candy, cakes and cookies, can aggravate acid reflux, as can carbonated beverages. Acid reflux can feel like a burning sensation from the stomach through the upper chest and esophagus. It can be mild and temporary, or it can be ongoing.

  1. Triggers

    • Sugar as well as junk foods are triggers that can bring on acid reflux, also known as heartburn. But physical activities can also aggravate acid reflux. Heavy lifting, bending over or lying down on your back, as well as taking a nap after a big meal, can bring it on. After you finish a meal, sit up for at least 45 minutes. Also, avoid late-night eating.

    Alternatives

    • If you crave something sweet after dinner, brew a cup of sweet herbal tea or have a piece of fruit. Healthy substitutes can replace sugar when you are baking, too. Some healthy substitues include agave nectar, honey, date sugar, maltose and brown rice syrup. Products made from the Stevia plant are a new but increasingly popular alternative. Large amounts of traditional sweeteners like Equal or Splenda can inhibit the body's natural metabolism and cause damage to your liver and kidneys, and should be avoided for baking. Whatever kind of sweetener you use, however, avoid eating too much of it and try to wean yourself away from sugar of any kind.

    Insight

    • According to an ABC medical news report, the average American consumes 19 percent more sugar in 2009 than in 1970. The American Heart Association says the average American adds 76 calories a day from sugar consumption, and this is increasing at an alarming rate, contributing to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as acid reflux.

    Misconceptions

    • Milk is often said to relieve acid reflux, but researchers from Stanford University found this not to be true. The same report shows that spicy foods do not bring on acid reflux, as once was thought.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Prevent acid reflux by eating smaller but more frequent meals and sticking to unprocessed foods. Avoid sugary desserts, fast foods foods containing preservatives. Fruits and vegetables that are "gassy," like broccoli, onions and tomatoes, should be avoided. Some safe beverages are water, mineral water and decaffeinated tea. Those who have acid reflux should consult their doctor to work out a nutritional program that works best for them.

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