Acid Reflux Food to Avoid Discomforting Symptoms

For many people controlling the aggravating and sometimes dangerous symptoms of this disease is a function of changing their eating habits. But just which acid reflux food do you need to avoid to prevent the damage it can cause? Healthy foods are certainly a consideration for those who suffer from GERD but there are many nutritious foods that can cause symptoms to appear and even worsen.

For the sufferer of acid reflux finding that balance between optimum nutrition and avoiding the foods that cause discomfort is very important. More often then not lifestyle changes must be made in conjunction with dietary alterations to be certain that the risk of symptoms and complications are kept to a minimum.

It is important to remember that what effects on person may not affect another. The following list is that of foods that most acid reflux sufferers have a hard time with. This does not mean that you should avoid all of these foods and it is a good idea to keep a food diary for several months to determine which foods you should and shouldn't eat.

1. Caffeine causes the stomach to increase its secretion of gastric acids. Any drink containing caffeine such as coffee, sodas, energy drinks, and caffeinated teas need to be either avoided or drunk in moderation.

2. Don\'t eat large meals. The more food you put in your stomach the more acids and bile need to be released to deal with digesting all that mess. Eat 5 or 6 smaller meals during the day with the last meal of the day at least two hours before you go to bed.

3. Avoid high fat and fried foods as these are some of the most likely foods to cause acid reflux symptoms. They take a long time to digest keeping your acid production in high gear until they are moved out of the stomach. These types of foods increase your risk for other health problems so avoiding them is a good idea all around.

4. Avoid acidic foods such as oranges, tomatoes, lemons and limes. You would think that vegetables would not be a concern either but certain cruciferous kinds cause the esophageal sphincter to open letting stomach contents back into the throat. These include onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach and brussel sprouts.

5. Spicy foods as well as mint of any kind are also known to increase symptoms.

6. Milk and other dairy foods that are high in calcium can exacerbate symptoms if eaten before bedtime.

Learning the acid reflux food to avoid can make a dramatic difference in the symptoms you have as well as helping to limit the damage that this disease can cause.