The First Step In Acid Reflux Treatment: Reduce Foods that Cause Acid Reflux
The symptoms of acid reflux can be reduced by reducing the
consumption of foods that cause acid reflux. Nothing works better than
changing your diet because YOU BECOME WHAT YOU EAT. By reducing foods
that cause acid reflux, you are tackling the problem from the source
instead of merely reducing the symptoms.
Many people feel that the incidence of acid reflux is on the rise and
attribute the increase primarily to the modern diet which is packed with
foods high in fat, sugar, caffeine, preservatives and other foods that
cause acid reflux. I believe this is not a myth. It is the truth! In
fact, many physicians suggest that the key to successfully managing acid
reflux disease is a modified diet, and this is normally the first
treatment option attempted.
Most acid reflux sufferers can find relief by eliminating foods that
cause acid reflux from their diet. Generally, those with acid reflux
disease should avoid high fat foods (such as fried foods, high fat meats
and high fat dairy products) as well as foods that are high in acid.
Acidic foods that cause acid reflux include citrus fruits (i.e. lemons,
grapefruits and oranges) as well as the juices made from them, and high
acid vegetables like tomatoes and raw onions. Some beverages can cause
(or at least aggravate) acid reflux disease, including sodas, coffee,
tea and most other caffeinated beverages. I want you to pay special
attention to sodas drinks because they are very acidic. I know many
people who need to drink sodas for every meal. Often, they are suffering
from acid reflux.
Chocolate is also a common food that causes acid reflux.
Not to despair! There are many foods that are permissible when dieting
to avoid acid reflux. Those with the disease can indulge in lean meats,
fruits like apples and bananas, and vegetables like carrots, peas, green
beans and baked potatoes. Most grains are also acceptable, including
whole wheat bread, white bread and both brown and white rice.
An added benefit of eliminating foods that cause acid reflux disease is
that these foods typically have a high caloric content. Following the
acid reflux diet then, may cause you to lose weight, which is normally a
good thing for most acid reflux sufferers – being overweight, and
especially being obese is associated with aggravated acid reflux
symptoms.
As always, you should consult your doctor before starting a new diet
plan. If eliminating the foods that cause acid reflux does not
completely eliminate your symptoms, your doctor can suggest other
changes and both over the counter and prescription medications may also
help.
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