If you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, you know how miserable it can feel. The resulting discomfort may prevent you from enjoying certain foods. According to WebMD, acid reflux triggers can be the time you eat and the amount of food you eat, among other things.
If heartburn and acid reflux are your enemies, controlling your diet can help you find relief. Here are 11 foods to avoid if you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn.
1. Citrus fruits. The Mayo Clinic notes that citrus fruits are very acidic and add acid to the stomach. If you already have problems, you should avoid taking it on an empty stomach, says WebMD.
2. Caffeine. All caffeinated beverages should be consumed in moderation. Healthline includes these items on the list of items to reduce when suffering from heartburn problems.
3.chocolate. Chocolate contains caffeine in addition to being an acid generator itself. It also relaxes the muscles in the lower part of the esophagus. “Package all your chocolate and give it to your gastroenterologist to keep if you have heartburn,” says WebMD’s Dr. Chutkan.
4. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are another acidic food, so the Mayo Clinic recommends limiting their consumption.
5. Soft drinks. WebMD and Healthline list soda as something to avoid when you’re bothered by heartburn or acid reflux.
6. Spicy foods. Bell peppers, Mexican food, chili peppers: Anything spicy can cause stomach acid, so WebMD recommends limiting your intake of these foods.
7. Mint. Peppermint tea is thought to be good for stomach pain, but mints and sweets after a large meal can worsen the acid problem. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding these things if you have acid reflux.
8. Alcohol. According to Healthline, alcohol can relax the muscles in the lower esophagus, so it is recommended to avoid it completely.
9. Fatty foods. You should avoid cheese, nuts, fatty meats, and other high-fat foods, according to Healthline and WebMD. If you want to eat it, try to avoid eating large amounts at the end of the day and before bed.
10. Fried foods. In addition to being bad for your arteries and heart, Healthline says anything fried is a “no-go” zone for heartburn and acid reflux sufferers.
11. Garlic and onion. While they may not affect everyone who suffers from heartburn, they can be a problem for some. If so, WebMD recommends eliminating them from your diet.
Just because you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux doesn’t mean life has to end. You can still enjoy life and food if you learn to control your diet. Be sure to consult your doctor to get a correct diagnosis, but if the solution is as simple as limiting certain foods, you can enjoy the easy solution!
