Heartburn and acid reflux are common problems for Americans. In fact, about 15 million Americans experience heartburn everyday. And they’re not only painful; they can be dangerous. If left untreated, your acid reflux can cause esophageal bleeding.

You have many different choices when it comes to treating your acid reflux disease. One important thing to consider is your diet. By making some changes, you can cope with acid reflux through your diet.

Chocolate can be bad for acid reflux

I’m sorry to say that chocolate may be bad for you if you have acid reflux. Foods like chocolate can weaken the lower esophageal muscle that keeps your stomach acid in your stomach. For this reason, try to stay away from these foods:

• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Peppermint
• Fatty foods
• Alcohol

When you have acid reflux, the lining in your esophagus gets damaged and inflamed. Foods like these will only irritate it further, so beware:

• Citrus
• Chili peppers
• Tomatoes
• Black pepper

Other things to avoid if you have acid reflux

Along with avoiding bad foods, there are a few more activities to avoid. Your esophagus will thank you:

• Try not to lay down for 2-3 hours after eating
• Stay away from large meals and high fat meals
• No more smoking
• Wait two hours to exercise after eating

Things you should do if you have acid reflux

You are probably tired of hearing all the things you shouldn’t do if you have acid reflux. So here are things you should do (and eat) if you have acid reflux. Or even if you don’t; this stuff is good for everybody. Do this:

• Chew (non-peppermint) gum to encourage saliva production
• Lose weight (if you need to)
• Drink water after meals
• Eat lots of fiber

Foods you can eat if you have acid reflux

You know what you shouldn’t eat. Here are the foods that you should be able to safely enjoy:

• Fruits: bananas and apples
• Dairy: feta or goat cheese, sour cream, cream cheese and soy cheese
• Vegetables: peas, green beans, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, potatoes
• Grains: bread, corn bread, cereal, rice
• Meat: ground beef, chicken breast, steak, egg whites, fish
• Sweets: jelly beans, cookies, licorice

Keep a food diary to track your acid reflux

Maintaining a food diary helps you keep track of what you eat and how it affects your acid reflux symptoms. It can help you figure out which foods bother you the most and which ones are okay for you. As each person is different, so is their treatment.

Relieve episodic heartburn safely and naturally.

Sources:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/482182
http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/11-meal-planning-tips-prevent-heartburn
http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods1.htm