Last week, we talked about things that can be eaten by people suffering from acid reflux or GERD. Now, let us go into things that must NOT be eaten to ensure digestive health and avoid symptoms of this condition.

• Meat
Meat such as chicken nuggets and buffalo wings can cause and worsen acid reflux conditions, which in turn leads to heartburn and other indigestion conditions.

• Spicy food
Hot spices such as chili and pepper can contribute to the causes of acid reflux and the similar symptoms of heartburn. Some people suffering from acid reflux with heartburn symptoms also claim that their condition worsens when eating food with onion, garlic and ginger. It is advised that foods containing these are to be consumed in the minimum only.

• Tea, coffee and chocolate
These three beverages have millions of fans all over the world. Tea drinkers, coffee addicts and chocoholics may want to slow down their addiction if they want to lessen their acid reflux problems. This is because chocolate, tea and coffee naturally contain theobromine which relaxes the esophagus’ lower region which contains the sphincter muscle. When this area is relaxed overly, acid flows back to the food pipe. Dark chocolate is a better alternative, or the three foodstuff mentioned may be consumed but in moderation.

• Fatty and fried food
Food that is fried and fatty is a big no-no for acid reflux sufferers. Fatty and fried food causes the process of digestion to slow down. Food stays in the stomach for an unnecessary prolonged period of time. Because of this, pressure increases inside the stomach, forcing the food to re-enter the food pipe, resulting in acid reflux.

• Dairy Products
Most dairy products are not really advised for people suffering from acid reflux. This is true especially for products like cheese, sour cream, ice cream and yogurt. The habit of drinking milk before sleeping, especially after a huge meal, is not really advisable. In fact, it can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux. Other sweet foodstuff like brownies, butter cookies and doughnuts may also increase your acid reflux problems.

• Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain citrus acid which aggravates the symptoms of acid reflux. Included in this classification are tomatoes, oranges, cranberries and grapes which have high citrus acid content. These fruits are also said to make the lower opening of the esophagus relaxed overly, which results in the acid to flow back to the food pipe.

• Alcoholic beverages
Anything with an alcoholic content is a surefire way of worsening your acid reflux condition. Alcohol decreases the pace of digestion and relaxes the esophagus’ sphincter muscles, hence resulting in acid to climb up the esophagus. Another vice, smoking also causes acid reflux, so it is definitely advised for people suffering from acid reflux to quit smoking.

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