Worst Acid Reflux Foods To Avoid Immediately

Hemant was a foodie who loved to party every weekend with friends. Over the past few years, he was feeling gassy and experienced heartburn soon after having a meal. This discomfort continued every time he had a meal, so he consulted a doctor, who then told him that these were symptoms of acid reflux or GERD. The doctor suggested him some antacid medicines and told him about certain acid reflux foods to avoid from his diet.

Several people around us experience feelings of heartburn, indigestion, and bloating after having a meal. They are most of the time even unaware that they are suffering from acid reflux and take it lightly. Acid reflux gets triggered with the wrong food intake, so identifying the worst foods for acid reflux can help control the symptoms significantly.

Let us understand all about acid reflux and what foods cause acid reflux?

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, takes place when the acid from the stomach is pushed back to the esophagus or food pipe. This push of acid back towards the esophagus can disrupt your digestion and may even damage the esophagus lining. 

What are the Causes of Acid Reflux?

Most of the time acid reflux of GERD arises due to certain food intake. So, to identify the exact cause in your case, you must track your eating habits. How much do you eat, what do you eat, and at what time do you eat? Answers to these questions will help you identify your cause of acid reflux. 

What are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

Talking about the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD, the one most common symptom is heartburn. It is a very uncomfortable feeling in your chest and stomach area that takes place after a meal. Some other symptoms of acid reflux are:

• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Burping
• Hiccups
• Dry Cough
• Sore Throat
• Lump in Throat
• Difficult to Swallow Food

8 Worst Foods for Acid Reflux

1. High Fat Foods

To control your acid reflux symptoms, you first need to cut off high-fat foods from your diet. The reason for this is that high fatty foods push the stomach acids backward to your esophagus.

When we say high-fat foods, we mean foods like deep-fried foods, creamy sauces, greasy and oily foods, and full-fat dairy products. 

2. Spicy Foods

Another type of food that can worsen your acid reflux symptoms is spicy food.

Be it black pepper, red pepper, or any other type that leaves a tangling flavor in your mouth will end up stirring up the acid in your stomach and pushing it back to your esophagus. 

3. Fried Foods

Choose grilled or baked food instead of fried food if you want to experience relief from acid reflux.

Yes, fried food especially, deep-fried food is the worst food for acid reflux sufferers. 

4. Carbonated Drinks

Another thing to avoid if you are suffering from acid reflux or GERD is carbonated drinks.

Consuming a carbonated or aerated drink will lead to bubble expansion in your stomach. This will lead to pain and pressure leading to acid reflux. 

5. Caffeinated Drinks

Likewise, avoid too much intake of caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee to get relief from your acid reflux symptoms.

Various studies have revealed that caffeinated drinks worsen the acid reflux situation in human beings. 

6. Garlic and Onion

For some people, we may count garlic and onion, which are supposed to be very healthy vegetables as foods that cause acid reflux.

These two underground vegetables often trigger heartburn symptoms, so try to avoid them and see the difference. 

7. Citrus Fruits

The second type of food that can worsen your acid reflux symptoms is any type of citrus fruit.

Citrus fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits, and tomatoes are acidic fruits that can make you more uncomfortable if you have GERD or acid reflux.

8. Peppermint

Last on our list of worst foods for acid reflux is peppermint.

Be it a simple chewing gum with a mint flavor, it can trigger your acid reflux symptoms to a great extent.

Best Foods for Acid Reflux

Now that you have gathered sufficient information about what foods cause acid reflux, we feel it is important to also know the best foods for acid reflux. So, here is a list of foods that offer relief from this heartburn feeling in the chest and discomfort in the stomach due to acid reflux or GERD:

1. Cold MilkApple Cider Vinegar
2. Ginger
3. Fennel
4. Oatmeal
5. Melons
6. Green Vegetables
7. Brown Rice
8. High Fibre Foods
9. Alkaline Foods

Also Read: 11 Ways to Reduce Your Symptoms of Acidity or Heartburn at Home

When to See the Doctor?

If despite moderating your diet and eliminating the foods that cause acid reflux, you are unable to experience any relief, you must consult a doctor. In this situation, we recommend you consult a gastroenterologist, who specializes in treating diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract. He will prescribe you some over-the-counter medicines and recommend some lifestyle changes to get relief from the GERD symptoms. 

The Bottom Line

Acid reflux is a health condition that arises often due to the wrong selection of foods and beverages in our diet. So, try to remove or limit the intake of foods that cause acid reflux. Besides, try to manage your lifestyle by avoiding alcohol and overeating. Try to eat slowly and do so at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. An effort should also be made to maintain the ideal body weight by doing regular exercises and you will see a difference in your acid reflux symptoms.