Breakfast has always been hailed as the most important meal of the day. Turns out this old adage is nothing short of true, especially for acid reflux sufferers. Filling up the stomach with good food can prevent acid attacks throughout the day and alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
Breakfast helps to buffer the acid in the stomach from doing damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 2. Breakfast is a good start to eating several small meals per day. Most people with acid reflux do much better when they separate their meals into smaller, more frequent ones.
Causes Indigestion Problems
When you are on an empty stomach for a long time, there is an increased secretion of gastric acid in the stomach. So every time you skip a meal, your stomach produces acids that attack the stomach lining leading to acidity, ulcers, and abdominal pain.
Egg Whites: Eggs are a popular food item in terms of easing acid reflux, but some people find that the yolks have a high fat content which can trigger acid reflux. Egg whites are the low-fat, low-cholesterol option to help with acid reflux.
Whole grains — High fiber, whole-grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain breads help stop symptoms of acid reflux. They are a good source of fiber and may help absorb stomach acid.
Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers – These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach – and won't cause painful gas. Brown rice – This complex carbohydrate is mild and filling – just don't serve it fried. Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.
Oatmeal is a heart-healthy food and, since oats absorb stomach acid, it's a good choice for reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Liven up your oatmeal with tropical flavors such as papaya, which contains enzymes called papain that has been touted as a natural treatment for heartburn.
Is yogurt a good choice? Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation.
Bananas for stomach acid are considered safe because they have alkaline (alkaline) properties. In addition, this fruit is also considered to help balance the acid in the stomach so that symptoms of acid reflux or GERD can be prevented.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Milk and dairy products are high in fat and tend to make heartburn worse. When you have frequent GERD symptoms, like heartburn, eating high-fat dairy products like cheese can aggravate your symptoms. Furthermore, cold dairy products like ice cream can actually numb and inhibit the lower esophageal sphincter's function.
Potatoes — either boiled or baked and prepared without high-fat toppings — are a good option to help you prevent acid reflux.
Common symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn, bloating, burping, nausea or dysphagia (the sensation of food being stuck in the throat). Skipping meals or eating certain foods can lead to acidity at times.
Water. Most notably, mineral water with an alkaline pH – this may reduce the acidity of the stomach and help to denature the enzyme pepsin. It's this digestive enzyme that is thought to be responsible for much of the damage associated with reflux.
Foods to Eat on an Acid Reflux Diet
Noncitrus fruits: Apples, bananas, blueberries, and strawberries are safe bets.
A 100% whole grain bread is a particularly healthy choice for people with acid reflux. Rather than containing only whole wheat, it can include other whole grains, so it provides a broader spectrum of nutrients.
Green vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, peas, cucumbers, and Brussels sprouts are known to prevent and alleviate acid reflux. In addition to being very low in fat, these vegetables are also high in alkaline content. The low pH offsets the high pH of the stomach acid.
Reach for TUMS. TUMS goes to work in seconds to start neutralizing gastric acid in the esophagus, where the pain of heartburn starts. * It keeps working as it dissolves, going to work fast to relieve the pain of heartburn.
Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn, especially in the afternoon or evening. Elevate the head of your bed to enlist gravity to help fight regurgitation. Take over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids, or acid suppressors/proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec, Nexium, or Pepcid.