Acid Reflux Disease Diet

Certain foods can worsen heartburn, which is the main symptom of acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as it is called in medical terms. The foods that should be restricted or completely avoided are the reason that an Acid Reflux Disease Diet becomes useful for people who have this condition.

 

The most common foods that are usually quite safe for the acid reflux disease diet include fruits such as fresh apples, dried apples, apple juice, and bananas. Fruits that should be avoided are lemons and tomatoes. Likewise, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and lemonade are no-no’s.

 

Vegetables that have little potential to cause acid reflux include baked potatoes and baked potato chips, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green beans, and peas. On the other hand, corn chips, french fries, regular potato chips, and raw onions are best avoided. Acid reflux sufferers should similarly avoid creamy salad dressings and those with oil and vinegar. Instead, they should opt for the low-fat variety.

 

Grains in the form of multigrain or white bread, bran or oatmeal cereal, corn bread, graham crackers, pretzels, and brown or white rice are all safe as part of the acid reflux disease diet. However, mac and cheese as well as spaghetti with sauce are not.

 

Meats unlikely to cause heartburn are extra-lean ground beef, London-broil steak, skinless chicken breast, egg whites, egg substitute, and fish (without added fat). The following meats should be avoided: chuck ground beef, marbled sirloin, chicken nuggets, and buffalo wings.

 

Dairy products like fat-free cream cheese, goat cheese, and fat-free sour cream are safe for people with acid reflux. Low-fat soy cheese may safely be substituted for ordinary cheese. Cottage cheese, ice cream, milk shakes, and regular sour cream should be kept off the acid reflux disease diet.

 

As for sweets, foods like fat-free cookies, jelly beans, and red licorice are unlikely to cause heartburn. Brownies, butter cookies, chocolate, and doughnuts probably will, though.

 

People on an acid reflux disease diet can wash down their food with mineral water. They are better off avoiding liquor, coffee, tea, and wine.

 

Because those that have been mentioned are not all of the foods that may be safe for people who have to live with acid reflux, and because safe foods and foods to be avoided have been known to vary from person to person, it is highly advisable to keep a food diary. Two weeks is enough time to keep track of what you eat, when you eat, and the symptoms you experience. Your food diary helps you and your physician plan your acid reflux disease diet and decide on any eating habit changes that may be called for.