Learning about the foods that cause acid reflux is indeed a good idea. It will prevent the occurrence of the pain as well as reduce acid reflux, which over a period becomes normal. The triggering of heartburn, the primary symptom of acid reflux, changes from person to person.
The food that you eat may be causing the acid reflux, while it may not be same for the other persons. Therefore, staying away from certain foods will keep you away from heartburn. It is not just food that you eat, other factors such as workload, stress levels also add to the symptoms of acid reflux. Taming the symptoms is only possible when you have a clear picture of about personal triggering points.
What Foods Cause Acid Reflux?
Many foods can trigger acid reflux. A large meal or an oversized serving of fries before the bedtime is sure to flame up the heartburn. Fatty foods, late-night meals, and large portions are the three triggering points that increase acid reflux. In some cases, these factors make way for the growth of symptoms even for a healthy person who never had the history of acid reflux.
The other factor to consider is the amount of consumption of the meal. Stuffing the belly with too much of food causes it to stretch. Such an action puts a lot of pressure on the LES, which is a key player in stopping the acids developed in the stomach region to move in the upward direction. Therefore, juices or the last portion of the food that you ate may come back into the esophagus causing the burning sensation.
Foods containing high fat are a big No for people suffering from acid reflux. The reason is due to the point that the fat content resides in the belly region for an extended period. Due to this, the body produces additional acid in order to burn the fat, causing irritation to the digestive system. It not only irritates the stomach but also leads to pushing back the food that you ate up to the throat.
What Foods Trigger Acid Reflux?
The list of foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux varies from one individual to another. However, the following are the typical food products that produce acid reflux:
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Black pepper
- Garlic
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Caffeine
- Peppermint
- Tomatoes.
What is the Solution to Prevent Acid Reflux?
The food products specified above are the major food products that cause acid reflux and facilitate towards the increase of symptoms that turn a minor acid reflux into a severe condition. A better way to overcome is simply by avoiding the products. As the products differ from one individual to another, a keen observation on the consumption that is causing the symptom will be helpful.
The observation will help in collecting data that gives a better way to eat good food. Apart from that, the major factor to remember is not to over eat. Rather than eating three meals consisting of heavy consumption, breaking it down into smaller portions is preferable. Another factor is the time gap between the dinner and the bedtime. A minimum of a 2-hours gap is preferably the best time slot. It is this period during which digestion process completes and leaves no traces of acids in the stomach.
Learning how to avoid acid reflux is dependent on understanding the triggering points. A few episodes occur, which you do not have to take it seriously. However, if they are repetitive, it is time for you to call a doctor and make changes to the lifestyle.
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