There are certain foods which should be added to the diet and certain foods which should be avoided when a person is suffering from acid reflux. Follow these pointers religiously in order to keep away from acid reflux and to prevent complications that come with it.
Foods to be added:
Pineapple and papaya
Pineapple is known for its bromelain content and papaya stands out for its papain content, which are both beneficial enzymes. These digestive enzymes help in breaking down protein and help in breaking down the acid formation in the stomach. It is thus highly beneficial to add pineapple and papaya to the diet whenever possible.
Iodized salt
It is a misconception that salt is bad for the health; in the case of acid reflux, however, iodized salt is even beneficial. Sprinkle a small amount of it to the food you eat. If you are prohibited from consuming salt due to a certain health disorder, then try taking some other iodine supplement in order to avoid acid reflux.
Omega-3 fatty acid
This may work out for some people, but for others, it might only worsen the problem. It is therefore better to know first whether you are able to handle omega-3 fatty acids, and if so, it would do you well to include it in your daily diet. Otherwise, consult your doctor about which supplement can be taken in its stead.
Foods to be avoided:
Just as there are foods to be added, there is also a list of those that cannot be consumed as they will only aggravate acid reflux. These food items are listed below.
Spicy food
There are spicy foods which will irritate the esophagus and will lead to heartburn in some people. Thus, people having such problems should avoid eating them to avoid the painful symptoms related to acid reflux.
High-fat foods
High-fat foods, especially the food items containing trans fats, should be avoided as they can cause acid reflux. High-fat foods will delay the digestion of food, leading to acid reflux. It is better to eliminate them completely from the diet to stay safe from acid reflux.
Hot food and liquids
It is better to consume food and beverages which are cool, because hot food and drinks will cause acid formation in the stomach and may also lead to ulcer in some cases. If this cannot be avoided, then the food should at least be served warm and not piping hot.
Mint and chocolate
Mint and chocolate contain chemicals which are responsible for the release of acids in the stomach, resulting in heartburn and chest pain. These should be eliminated from the diet as well.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a type of beverage which irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes acid reflux, resulting in heartburn. Apart from these, alcohol can also lead to irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer, gallbladder disease, and can even increase the risk for colon cancer. For a healthy lifestyle, it is best to eliminate alcohol completely, or at least limit its intake to social drinking.
Take note of these food items which should be added and which should be avoided, as doing so will help a lot in lowering the incidence of acid reflux.
