Proper Diet to Reduce Acid Reflux

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Since acid reflux is a digestive condition, there is an undisputed connection between what you eat and the symptoms of the disease. One of the easiest treatments you can do to ease your suffering is to identify which foods cause the problems and eliminate or reduce them. Here are some basic foods to target first:

• spicy foods
• fatty foods
• high acid foods

Eating foods that are more alkaline based instead of highly acidic will help reduce the problem. It's no coincidence that spicy salsa is a common precursor to pain, tomatoes are very acidic.

Additional foods often recommended to avoid are:

• chocolate
• high fat cheese
• tomato based foods
• onions
• chilis
• alcohol
• fatty, fried foods
• caffeine
• citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit

So what can you eat?

Most doctors would advise that you stick with more alkaline based food such as leafy green vegetables, low fat cheese, lean meats, egg whites, low acid fruits such as bananas and multi grain bread products. Junk food is usually a no-no because of the high fat content. Also reduce the spices you add to foods.

Portion size is also an issue. Americans especially have a habit of cleaning every inch of their plate and super sizing every meal. Try reducing your portion size to the size of your fist and not stuff yourself. If your stomach is overfull there is nowhere for the acid to go but back up into your throat. Eat slowly, chewing your food well and eat less. This help with a lot of other health issues, not just acid reflux (gee, additional benefits!)

Don't forget, these rules apply if you are breastfeeding and your baby is having reflux. Even if you aren't experiencing heartburn your baby is noticing which foods you eat. You'll want to follow these food guidelines for your baby, too.