The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.
Eating large meals or eating late at night. Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods. Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee. Taking certain medications, such as aspirin.
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.
A person with acid reflux should avoid foods containing refined grains, including white bread, as these products contain very little fiber. There are many different types of whole grain bread a person can choose from.
Avocado: Despite being high in fat, avocados are rich in healthy fats, which can settle your stomach and prevent acid reflux symptoms.
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.
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.
Drinking water can help dilute the acid and flush out the esophagus. Not only does water dilute acids, but since water on average has a pH of 7 and is considered to be neutral, it can also help raise the pH level of the stomach and counteract the acidity of acidic foods to offer relief when acid reflux occurs.
If you are experiencing heartburn on a daily basis, it is likely time to be evaluated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Persistent, untreated GERD may lead to more serious conditions. Sometimes, it can be a precursor to other diseases, including cancer.
Yes, drinking a glass of cow's milk can help control acid reflux symptoms and may immediately relieve heartburn. This is because milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid. However, the fat in milk can trigger acid production and make heartburn worse.
If you have frequent or constant heartburn (more than twice a week or heartburn everyday), you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that connects the esophagus and the stomach.
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can combat digestive issues, such as an upset stomach. These properties make it an effective treatment for acid reflux. Additionally, the soothing effect of Chamomile tea helps reduce stress, which is usually a trigger for indigestion and acid reflux, and even GERD.
If you are an adult with GERD, it will not go away on its own, but there are treatments that can help you manage it, including: Over-the-counter medications, such as antacids. Prescription medications, such as proton pump inhibitors. Surgery, including a laparoscopic procedure called the LINX procedure.
If you have reflux, medicine that reduces the stomach acid helps your body heal. It might take 1 to 3 weeks to heal. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
Foods to Eat on an Acid Reflux Diet
Noncitrus fruits: Apples, bananas, blueberries, and strawberries are safe bets.
Non-fat or low-fat pudding, custard, ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet. Low-fat cookies. Gelatin made from allowed foods. Sweets and desserts with chocolate, peppermint, or spearmint (including flavoring).