Foods That Help Acid Reflux Go Away

Acid reflux symptoms are often triggered by the foods you eat. Fatty and acidic foods are common culprits of acid reflux, but small changes in your diet can alleviate these symptoms. Foods that can reduce acid reflux symptoms include low-acidic fruits such as bananas, oatmeal, yogurt, healthy fats, green vegetables, whole grains, and kale.

What is acid reflux?

Inside of the stomach is the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. Your LES is a muscle that closes when food passes through it to stop your stomach acid from moving into your esophagus. 

When your LES doesn’t close all the way, this leads to acid reflux, which can cause heartburn or discomfort in your chest. 

You may be experiencing acid reflux due to: 

• Hiatal hernia 
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Lying down after eating
• Being overweight
• Certain medications 

Foods that can trigger your acid reflux

Acid reflux is uncomfortable, irritating and occurs in more than 3 million people across the United States each year. Diet is a major contributor, primarily fatty foods, that lead to stomach acid irritating the lining of the stomach. A diet consisting of foods and drinks that help acid reflux can alleviate symptoms and stop recurrence. 

Trigger foods vary from person-to-person in severity, but they typically consist of the following: 

Chocolate

Chocolate's caffeine, fat and cocoa all aggravate acid reflux. Consuming cocoa can lead to the production of serotonin - a hormone known for its relaxing effects. When serotonin levels rise, it can relax the LES and increase gastric levels. 

Highly acidic fruits 

Acidic fruits relax the LES and can lead to worsening symptoms. Common acidic fruits are: 

• Lemons 
• Limes  
• Grapefruits 
• Oranges
• Pineapples   

Fried foods/high-fat foods

Fried and fatty foods are some of the worst to eat if you have acid reflux. Foods that have a high-fat content, including the following, should be avoided: 

• French fries 
• Onion rings
• Fried chicken
• Cookie
• Pizza

A good rule of thumb: If foods are placed in a deep fryer, avoid them. 

Spicy foods

Spicy foods may irritate your esophagus if it’s already inflamed. There's some evidence that capsaicin slows digestion, which increases the risk of heartburn. Avoid eating spicy foods often, or lower your portion sizes to help limit acid reflux symptoms. 

Caffeine 

Caffeine is a known trigger, and it’s important to be cautious of drinking coffee or tea. Instead, opt for decaffeinated coffees and teas that have low caffeine content. 

Foods that may help your acid reflux go away

Foods that help acid reflux are often easy to digest, contain low pH levels and have high water content. A few of the foods that help acid reflux go away are: 

Yogurt

Yogurt, except for mixes that contain nuts and chocolates, is a healthy food option that soothes the stomach. Yogurt contains probiotics, which aid in immune system health and digestion. 

Green vegetables

Veggies are low in fat and sugar, and they may reduce stomach acid. A few of the green vegetables that you should add to your diet are: 

• Asparagus 
• Broccoli 
• Cucumbers 
• Leafy greens 
• Green beans  

Oatmeal

Whole grain oatmeal contains high levels of fiber, which may lower risks of acid reflux. Swap out fatty breakfast foods, such as bacon and sausage, for oatmeal. 

Low-acidic fruits

Low-acidic fruits often contain high water content and are less likely to contribute to acid reflux than acidic fruits. A few of the items to add to your diet are: 

• Cantaloupe 
• Bananas 
• Pears 

Healthy fats

Unsaturated fats don’t cause the same acid reflux issues that saturated and trans fats cause. Swap out the unhealthy fats for: 

• Avocados 
• Flaxseed 
• Olive oil 
• Sesame oil 
• Walnuts  

Can acid reflux be cured?

Acid reflux can be controlled by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and learning what foods irritate your stomach. Antacids can help you manage symptoms, but lifestyle and diet changes are sometimes all you need to treat occasional acid reflux episodes. However, if you experience acid reflux more frequently, the best course of treatment is to speak with a doctor.

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.

Stop living with acid reflux. Get help, today!