Things You Shouldn't Eat With Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a medical condition where the acid in your stomach travels up the esophagus, causing a fiery burn in the middle of your chest. Many Americans suffer from this painful condition every day. You can lessen the severity of your acid reflux simply by watching the things that you eat since certain foods and beverages can make the symptoms worse, according to the article "Acid Reflux, Food To Avoid To Stop Heartburn" at gerd-doc.com. You can make your life much more enjoyable by turning food back into your friend.

Spicy Foods

• Spicy foods are the No. 1 cause of acid reflux, according to gerd-doc.com. Spicy foods will make the stomach produce more acid, which causes the reflux. It is recommend to avoid or limit spicy foods such as tacos, chili and barbecue sauces made with hot pepper, which will reduce your symptoms, and also to avoid Indian dishes containing curry and Chinese recipes that contain red pepper.

Citrus Fruits

• Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit should be avoided as they are high in acid. When added to the stomach they will raise the acidity level and cause your acid reflux to worsen. Also remember that the juices of these fruits will have the same effect as the fruit itself. Medhelp.com suggests trying fruits such as apples and bananas to help keep the acid levels lower and reduce symptoms.

High Fat Foods

• High fat foods should be limited as they stay in the stomach longer and cause the stomach to make more acid. Some examples would be full fat dairy products such as sour cream, cheese or ice cream.
  Other non-dairy high fat foods should also be avoided. This would include high fat meats such as hamburger or cuts of meat with excess fat. Most fried foods will also fit into this category and will increase symptoms. Eggs, tuna and sandwiches made with cold cuts are also foods likely to cause the painful burning you are trying to avoid.

Caffeine

• Caffeine has been shown to aggravate acid reflux and occurs in many foods eaten today. Coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks all contain caffeine and should be avoided. Coffee is also highly acidic, which is why it is such a problem for many acid reflux sufferers. Decaffeinated types of these products will reduce the effects, according to the Agonist Learning Center.

Gas producing foods.

• You should also avoid foods that are known to produce gas. Vegetables in this category are peas, beans, broccoli and cabbage. Fruits such as apples, apricots and bananas are also likely to produce stomach gas that can push acid out of the stomach causing reflux. Carbonated beverages will also fit into this category.

Vegetables

• Vegetables are mainly non-acidic, unlike fruits. However, there are a few vegetables that are high in acid and should be avoided. Tomatoes and onions are two examples, and both will work the same way as a citrus fruit to increase the acidity of the stomach. Both should be avoided if you suffer from acid reflux, according to the Agonist Learning Center.