In our previous post, we’ve listed the best foods to eat if you have acid reflux. In this article, we are going to dive into the foods that you should avoid to prevent acid reflux. Are you ready?
When stomach acid runs back up into the esophagus, it generates a burning feeling known as heartburn. This is what happens when acid reflux occurs.
To prevent acid reflux, we’ve listed the 8 foods you should start to avoid.
1. Caffeinated drinks
Caffeine, a natural stimulant, is a common ingredient in many popular beverages. Some examples include coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks. Acid reflux is made worse by caffeinated drinks, and some people find that caffeine causes anxiety, restlessness, and sleep problems.
2. Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks are bad for your stomach because the bubbles expand when they reach your esophagus. Go for something simple, like water or decaf iced tea.
3. Foods high in fat
Eating foods that are fried or high in fat can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, which then makes it easier for stomach acid to flow backward into the esophagus. These foods also slow down the digestive process. An increase in stomach acid production is a physiological response to prolonged food ingestion.
4. Alcohol
Consuming alcohol not only causes an increase in the production of stomach acids but also causes the esophageal sphincter to become more relaxed. Avoiding alcohol entirely is often effective in managing the disease’s symptoms.
5. Citrus fruits
Fruits from the citrus family, such as oranges, lemons, tangerines, limes, and grapefruit, are more likely to cause symptoms of acid reflux. Citrus fruits are acidic and can worsen reflux symptoms because they relax the esophageal sphincter.
6. Chocolate
Consuming chocolate can result in an increase in serotonin, which in turn can cause relaxation of the esophageal sphincter and an increase in the number of gastric contents in the stomach. Caffeine and theobromine, found in chocolate, have been shown to exacerbate symptoms.
7. Onions, garlic, and other spicy foods
Many people who suffer from heartburn find that foods with a lot of spice and acid, like onions and garlic, are the culprit.
Not everyone will experience heartburn from eating these. Nonetheless, if you regularly consume large quantities of onions or garlic, it is important to regulate it daily.
8. Peppermint
Peppermint is a well-known plant that can be found in candies and teas, and it has been shown to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. People who have hiatal hernias and, not surprisingly, gastroesophageal reflux disease can experience a worsening of their acid reflux symptoms.
Avoiding these foods will be a great help to prevent acid reflux. These are the triggers that will make you uncomfortable, especially at night.
Did you find this helpful? Let us know in the comments below.
You can also visit our Facebook and YouTube pages to know more about plants and their health benefits.
You might also like:
