How to Avoid Acid Reflux with Diet

This article will help reveal the secret on how to avoid acid reflux with diet and nutrition.

If you are a chronic heartburn sufferer, the correct term to use is acid reflux. Anyone who has suffered from acid reflux before, knows how painful it can be. Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach escapes into the esophagus. There are many over the counter medications that you can buy to help reduce the severity of your heart burn, but you shouldn't learn to rely on these medications. Instead, it is a better idea for you to learn how to eat properly to avoid or reduce your acid reflux. First of all, try eating about 6 small meals a day, instead of 3 large ones. This helps because eating less food at a meal will require less stomach acid to digest it, and reduce the risk of any of that acid escaping into your esophagus. Also, when you are having your meals, try to include complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice as well whole grain pastas and breads, because these foods are easy on the stomach and absorb any excess stomach acid you might have. You should also try to avoid high fat meals, including foods from fast food restaurants. High fat foods remain in the stomach for a long period of time because it takes a long time for them to digest, therefore, when you eat high fat foods, there is a greater chance of developing heartburn.

Drinks and foods that contain caffeine, as well as alcohol will also promote acid reflux, and should be avoided, or at least reduced in the diet. Caffeine irritates the stomach lining, which can cause acid reflux, and alcohol relaxed the lower diaphragm, which allows stomach acid to escape up into the esophagus much easier. Alcohol, especially beer, also increases the amount of acid in the stomach. After eating, you should also try to remain in an upright position for about 45 minutes to an hour, to reduce the chances of acid coming up into the esophagus.

Many people try to drink milk before bed to get rid of heartburn, however, this can often cause heartburn during the night. The root cause of nighttime heartburn, is eating too much at dinner time. To avoid this problem, try eating a smaller dinner, and a small snack before bed.

I hope this article helps some of you acid reflux sufferers out there!