Acid reflux diet

Some general advice: large meals, fat and/or spicy food and eating shortly before bedtime are not recommended during an acid reflux diet. These habits can lead to an increased production of acidic stomach juices that might enter the esophagus if the closing muscles do not work properly. Consequence: permanent heartburn!

What to eat and what to avoid in an acid reflux diet:

Fruits: banana and apple are considered safe. However, the best choice is pineapple and papaya, as both can help neturalize the stomach content. Peach, grapes and the various berries (rasp-, blue-, straw- and cranberries) might be consumed with discretion. The acidic citrus fruits like orange, lemon and grapefruit should be avoided, just like the tomato, which is one of the most irritating foods for your stomach.

Vegetables: green beans, peas, carrots and broccoli are recommended, while onion and garlic can be also eaten if the symptoms are not too severe. However, it is not advisable to consume mashed potatoes, potato salad and French fries during an acid reflux diet.

Grains: in general, grains such as cereals, bread, rice and crackers are safe, as they neutralize the stomach juices.

Meats: as far as meat dishes are concerned, for the purposes of an acid reflux diet everything depends on the way they are prepared. Chicken breast or fresh fish (without added fat) are considered safe, however, nugget-style chicken and buffalo wings should be avoided. Fried fish, tuna salad and eggs (fried or scrambled) can be consumed with discretion.

Beverages: the only thing which can be recommended is still mineral water. All kinds of alcohol and coffee should be avoided, and carbonated beverages are not advisable either if you want to make your acid reflux diet effective.