Meal Choices with Acid Reflux

When stomach acid is produced, it is used to digest the food that we consume during our mealtimes. However, if someone eats a large portion of a meal, or eats too quickly, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes at the wrong time, making strong stomach juices build up and overflow in the esophagus. This causes the burning sensation that is known as “heartburn”, or “acid reflux”.

The most effective way of reducing the negative effects of acid reflux can be controlled by making changes in dietary and eating habits. This includes making good eating choices, and selecting the right kinds of food. Acid reflux is considered a chronic condition. If left untreated, the resulting symptoms can lead to more serious medical complications.

Making the Most of Meal Time

Finding a good meal plan in an effort to address the effects of acid reflux is an important part of setting up an acid reflux based diet. There are several dietary options available for all three main meals, as well as working in snack options. One of these food groups that provide numerous “safe” foods is the grains food group.

Good Grain Choices for Acid Reflux

Grains are important because they can help to neutralize a person’s stomach juices. Any foods that are baked, low fat, or fat free are usually considered good food choices when on an acid reflux based diet. Whole grain choices can encompass the three major meals of the day, as well as provide some snack options to a person’s diet.

Breakfast choices can include:

• Cereal
• Bran
• Oatmeal.
• Toast can also be an option, preferably if it is multi grain or white bread.

Lunch choices can consist of:

• Bread for sandwiches or as a side dish
• Brown or white rice
• Corn bread

Dinner can also consist of the lunch options.

Snacks can provide the following choices:

• Graham crackers
• Pretzels
• Rice cakes
• Crackers

Keep Meal Choices Basic

While grains by themselves to not provide any dietary choices that can trigger the effects of acid reflux, it is important that caution is heeded when mixing grain based foods with other types of foods.

Dairy foods that are rich in fat can cause acid reflux to occur. Other foods, such as caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda) during mealtime can cause symptoms to flare up, as well as citrus based fruits and fruit drinks.

Check with a Doctor

Unfortunately, there is no one set diet that will work for every acid reflux case, as some experimentation will be required to see what fits a person’s individual needs. It is also advisable to keep a food journal as it will help to regulate and eliminate unwanted foods from a person’s diet. While acid reflux is a serious condition, it can be controlled through a combination of diet and exercise to prevent the onset of more severe symptoms.

Relieve episodic heartburn safely and naturally.

Sources:
http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/introduction-000085_4-145.html
http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods1.htm
http://www.tipsinlife.com/acid-reflux-diet.htm