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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Gastro Esophageal reflux disease (GERD) or what is more popularly known as acid reflux cannot actually be considered a disease. It is actually a condition that happens when the acid present in the stomach leaks upward, back into the esophagus due to a number of reasons. Acid reflux is so common, it is a condition experienced by millions of people all over the world. Acid reflux in itself may not actually be considered a severe condition. However, the seriousness of GERD is experienced when occurring with other symptoms. This conjunction may be a sign of a disorder which is more serious. Thus, it is essential to understand what GERD really is so that it would not result to worse complications.

Most people who experience acid reflux often resort to taking over-the-counter antacids for quick relief of GERD symptoms. However, it is recommended by most doctors to promote proper eating habits for people experiencing GERD, as it will not only help fix the problem but also give them a sense of good health. There are a number of foods available that can be eaten safely by acid reflux suffers that do not trigger the symptoms. There are also kinds of food that exactly do the opposite in the sense that they worsen the symptoms of GERD. Take a look at the list below so that you can know which foods to consume and which to avoid if you have acid reflux.

• Vegetables

Veggies such as broccoli, peas, and carrots are recommended. Potato eaten plain is fine but when it is cooked as French fries or mixed with dressings and butter like potato salad and mashed potatoes, they should be avoided.

• Fruits

Beneficial fruits for acid reflux suffers include papaya and pineapple as they both aid in neutralizing what is inside the stomach. Also safe for people with GERD are berries like strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, as well as apples and bananas.

• Grains

Foods made from grains like bread (whether multi-grain or white), crackers, cereals, and rice are good. Grain neutralizes the juices in the stomach.

• Meats

Meat is fine as long as it is prepared well. Poultry is good as long as it is white meat, the same with fish. They should be prepared without adding fat.

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