Sometimes, what you love the most, also hurts you the most and this can certainly be felt with all the bad and junk food consumed. It is delicious, scrumptious, and makes us in a certain kind of way, but the repercussions it has on our body are extremely painful and disheartening. A strong example of this is acid reflux. It is extremely discomforting and painful, and can seriously alter one’s entire mood, and if you have gone through it then you know what we mean by it. However, there are some foods for acid reflux that helps in sensitizing the problem and provide instant comfort.
This is exactly what we have covered today, foods for acid reflux, a.k.a what foods neutralize stomach acid, as well as, top 5 acidic foods to avoid, especially helpful for someone who suffers from acid reflux on regular basis. But before that, let’s understand the problem a little better.
What Is Acid Reflux?
When acid flows back from the stomach to the esophagus, then it is said to be acid reflux. It is a very common happening but can sometimes cause serious symptoms.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
One probable reason for this happening could be that your LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is damaged or weakened.
The amount of acid produced by your stomach is dependent on the food you eat, thus, foods for acid reflux are a real thing, and eating the right food could control acid reflux to a great extent, or what is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a more severe and chronic form of acid reflux.
Best Foods For Acid Reflux
Preferable foods for acid reflux and to calm the problem – What foods neutralize stomach acid
The acid level in our stomach is dependent on the type of food we eat, and just by making it healthier, we can prevent and cure it as well. Here are the few foods for acid reflux that you should add to your diet:
1. Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and also potatoes, cucumbers, etc. can be a lot helpful in reducing stomach acids as they are naturally low in sugar and fat.
2. Ginger
Ginger has been known for a very long time to have anti-inflammatory properties that have cured several gastrointestinal problems like heartburns etc. Adding a slice of ginger to meals or even tea would work in the best way for you.
3. Oatmeal
All diets which are high in fiber have been known to be linked with a lower risk of acid reflux, and oatmeal, which is the most common diet food for breakfast is a whole grain and a great source of fiber, so it’ll be very helpful for you. Also, whole-grain bread and whole-grain rice are also great foods for acid reflux.
Here are other many amazing benefits of oatmeal.
4. Non-citrus Fruits
Citrus foods like oranges, lemon, etc are known to have higher acidity than other fruits and it is required that you should consume fruits that are non-citrus like bananas, apples, pears, melon, etc. And, put a limit on acid foods consumed on daily basis.
5. Lean Meats And Seafood
They have been known to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, mainly because products like chicken, turkey, fish, and other seafood are low in fat and provide relief against acid reflux.
6. Egg Whites
While eating an egg, it is important that the egg yolk should be avoided and only the egg white is consumed, the main reason behind it is that egg yolks have higher fat content and can trigger acid reflux.
7. Healthy Fats
You are required to replace your saturated and trans fats with healthier healthy fats foods and they are primarily found in products like avocados, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc, which again reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Suggested Read: 5 Morning Habits To Keep Your Digestion System Healthy
Top 5 Acidic Foods To Avoid
1. Food items with higher unsaturated fats.
2. Citrus fruits and tomatoes.
3. Chocolate
4. Onions, garlic, and spicy foods
5. Mint
Suggested Read: Are You Aware Of The Symptoms Of Fatty Liver Disease?
These were all the foods for acid reflux and the top 5 acidic foods to avoid if you’re someone prone to acid reflux. Incorporating the above-mentioned foods into your regular diet can greatly improve your condition. Moreover, try to limit the intake of junk food and food items with higher preservatives, also regular exercising and some form of physical activity are also known to be very helpful.