Foods you can't eat with acid reflux

 Acid reflux

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acid in the stomach rises up into the esophagus. Acid reflux can cause heartburn and other symptoms. Acid reflux generally occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and allows harsh stomach juices flow into the esophagus. Acid reflux  Below you will find some of the foods you can't eat with acid reflux.

Symptoms of acid reflux or GERD:

• Heartburn - A burning feeling rising from the stomach
• Regurgitation - Bringing food back up into the mouth
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Chest pain
• feeling of fullnes after a meal
• Nausea after eating
• Pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Bloating
• Belching

Acid reflux can occur in connection with the following activities:

• After a heavy meal
• Lifting objects
• Bending over
• Lying down, particularly on the back

 List of foods to avoid with acid reflux:

1. Acidic foods: Avoid acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, orange juice, lemonade, cranberries, and grapefruits can trigger heartburn. Also juices or beverages made with these fruits should be avoided when you have acid reflux. Vinegar is also highly acidic and is found in salad dressings and other dishes. You can use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar.

2. Spicy foods: Another food you can't eat with acid reflux is spices. Avoid spices such as chilli powder, black pepper,  mustard powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mustard. Avoid these spices if they bother your stomach. Spicy foods can aggravate acid reflux and weakens the lower esophageal sphincter.

3. Avoid tomato rich foods: Avoid tomatoes, pasta sauces, tomato soups and tomato juice.

4. Avoid high fat foods: Cut back on high fat foods and meat. Some of the high fat foods are  salami, burgers, pizza and steaks.These foods tend to slow down digestion. They remain in the stomach for longer period of time. Also avoid red meats on your diet.

5. Avoid fried foods: Avoid fried foods and fatty foods including french fries, doughnuts, processed foods and margarine. Instead of frying, you can bake, saute or boil in a pan.

6. Dairy foods: Dairy foods may increase digestive enzymes causing an overproduction of stomach acid. Avoid drinking milk before sleep. Avoid whole milk, cheese, and milk shakes. Instead you can use skim milk and low fat dairy products. It is better to avoid high fat dairy products if they really bother your stomach.

7. Beverages: Avoid beverages that can irritate the stomach lining including coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea, alocohol, soft drinks and alcohol.

8. Oils: Avoid hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. You can use healthy oils such as canola oil and olive oil.

9. Crunchy Foods: Crunchy foods can worsen your acid reflux. Nuts, crackers, toast, popcorn, and cookies will make your acid reflux situation worse by scratching your lower esophageal sphincter.

10. Smoking should be avoided if you have acid reflux.

11. Other foods: Other foods include brownie, chocolate, corn chips, all red meats, peppermint, spearmint, onions, garlic baked beans, peanut butter, ketchup, ice cream, eggs, artificial sweeteners and marbled sirloin.

Tips to reduce acid reflux:

• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal.
• Wear loose fitting clothes.