Acid reflux occurs when there is acid backflow from thestomachinto theesophagus. This happens commonly but can cause complications or troublesome symptoms, such asheartburn.
One reason this happens is that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened or damaged. Normally the LES closes to prevent food in the stomach from moving into the esophagus.
The foods you eat affect the amount of acid your stomach produces. Eating the right kinds of food is key to controlling acid reflux orgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a severe, chronic form of acid reflux.
None of these foods will cure your condition, and your decision to try these specific foods to soothe your symptoms should be based on your own experiences with them.
蔬菜
蔬菜are naturally low in fat and sugar. Good options include green beans, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, leafy greens, potatoes, and cucumbers.
Ginger
Ginger has naturalanti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural treatment for heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems. You can add grated or sliced ginger root to recipes or smoothies, or drinkginger teato ease symptoms.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal, a breakfast favorite, is a whole grain, and is an excellent source offiber. A diet high in fiber has
Non-citrus fruits
Non-citrus fruits, including melons, bananas, apples, and pears, are less likely to trigger reflux symptoms than acidic fruits.
Lean meats and seafood
Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and seafood, are low-fat andcan reducesymptoms of acid reflux. Try them grilled, broiled, baked, or poached.
Egg whites
Egg whites are a good option. Limit egg yolks, though, which are high in fat and may trigger reflux symptoms.
Healthy fats
Sources ofhealthy fatsinclude avocados, walnuts, flaxseed, olive oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. Reduce your intake of saturated fats and trans fats and replace them with these healthier unsaturated fats.
Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux and GERD. You may develop a burning sensation in your stomach or chest after eating a full meal or certain foods. GERD can also causevomitingor regurgitation as acid moves into your esophagus.
Other symptoms
- dry cough
- sore throat
- bloating
- burpingorhiccups
- difficulty swallowing
- lump in the throat
Many people with GERD find that certain foods trigger their symptoms. No single diet can prevent all symptoms of GERD, and food triggers are different for everyone.
To identify your individual triggers, keep a food diary and track the following:
- what foods you eat
- what time of day you eat
- what symptoms you experience
保持至少一周的日记。它是帮助to track your foods for a longer period if your diet varies. You can use the diary to identify specific foods and drinks that affect your GERD.
The diet and nutrition advice here is a starting point to plan your meals. Use this guide in conjunction with your food journal and your doctor’s advice. The goal is to minimize and control your symptoms.
Although doctors debate which foods actually cause reflux symptoms, certain foods have been shown to cause problems for many people. To control your symptoms, you could start by eliminating the following foods from your diet:
High-fat foods
Fried and fatty foods can cause the LES to relax, allowing more stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. These foods also delay stomach emptying.
Eating high-fat foods puts you at greater risk for reflux symptoms, so reducing your total daily fat intake can help.
The following foods have a high-fat content. Avoid these or eat them sparingly:
- French fries and onion rings
- full-fat dairy products, such as butter, whole milk, regular cheese, and sour cream
- fatty or fried cuts of beef, pork, or lamb
- bacon fat, ham fat, and lard
- desserts or snacks, such as ice cream and potato chips
- cream sauces, gravies, and creamy salad dressings
- oily and greasy foods
Tomatoes and citrus fruit
水果和蔬菜是很重要的在一个健康的diet. But certain fruits can cause or worsen GERD symptoms, especially highly acidic fruits. If you have frequent acid reflux, you should reduce or eliminate your intake of the following foods:
- oranges
- grapefruit
- lemons
- limes
- pineapple
- tomatoes
- tomato sauce or foods that use it, such as pizza and chili
- salsa
Chocolate
Chocolate contains an ingredient called methylxanthine. It has been shown to relax the smooth muscle in the LES and increase reflux.
Garlic, onions, and spicy foods
Spicy and tangy foods, such as onions and garlic, trigger heartburn symptoms in many people.
These foods won’t trigger reflux in everyone. But if you eat a lot of onions or garlic, track your meals carefully in your diary. Some of these foods, along with spicy foods, may bother you more than other foods do.
Mint
Mint and products with mint flavoring, like chewing gum and breath mints, can also trigger acid reflux symptoms.
Other options
While the lists above include common triggers, you may have unique intolerances to other foods. You might consider eliminating the following foods over time to see if symptoms improve: dairy, flour-based products like bread and crackers, and whey protein.
In addition to controlling reflux symptoms with diet and nutrition, you can manage symptoms with lifestyle changes. Try these tips:
- Takeantacidsand other medications that reduce acid production. (Overuse can cause negative side effects.)
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Chew gum that isn’t flavored with peppermint or spearmint.
- Avoid alcohol.
- 戒烟。
- Don’t overeat, and eat slowly.
- Remain upright for at least 2 hours after eating.
- Avoid tight clothing.
- Don’t eat for 3 to 4 hours before going to bed.
- Raise the head of your bed 4 to 6 inches to reduce reflux symptoms while sleeping.
No diet has been proven to prevent GERD. However, certain foods may ease symptoms in some people.
Research shows that increased fiber intake, specifically in the form of fruits and vegetables, may protect against GERD. But scientists aren’t yet certain how fiber prevents GERD symptoms.
Increasing your dietary fiber is generally a good idea. In addition to helping with GERD symptoms, fiber also reduces the risk of:
- high cholesterol
- uncontrolledblood sugar
- hemorrhoidsand other bowel problems
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether certain foods should be a part of your diet. Foods that help improve acid reflux for one person may be problematic for someone else.
Working with your doctor or registered dietitian can help you develop a diet to control or lessen your symptoms.
People with GERD can usually manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.
Talk to your doctor if lifestyle changes and medications don’t improve symptoms. Your doctor can recommend prescription medications, or in extreme cases, surgery.