Foods to Avoid With Acid Reflux

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What Foods to Eat and Avoid for Acid Reflux

• DOC-AID Urgent Care

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• Its not uncommon to experience a flare-up of
  heartburn, but some people suffer from burning,
  bloating, and gagging almost every time they eat.
  Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal
  sphincter (LES) normally closes when food passes
  through it. However, if it doesnt close or it
  opens too often, the acid produced by the stomach
  can travel up into the esophagus and cause
  symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation
  in the chest. If the symptoms of acid reflux
  occur more than two times per week, you may have
  gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  Approximately 20 of people have a common
  digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid
  flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation
  and discomfort.

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What Are the Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux
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• Heartburn A burning sensation in the chest that
  usually occurs after eating and may occur at
  night. Pain that gets worse when youre lying
  down or when youre bending over. Acid or bitter
  taste in your mouth.
• Regurgitation Its when stomach contents flow
  backward through the esophagus into the throat
  and mouth. This feels like burning, warm liquid
  in the throat, often leaving a bitter aftertaste.
• Dysphagia Difficulty swallowing. This can be
  caused by inflammation of the esophagus, which
  can make it difficult for food to pass through.
• Hoarseness Acid reflux can irritate the vocal
  cords, which can cause hoarseness.
• Chronic cough Acid reflux can sometimes cause a
  chronic cough, especially at night. This is
  because the acid can irritate the esophagus,
  larynx, or voice box due to repeated stomach acid
  exposure, leading to a lasting cough, wheezing,
  and breathing issues.

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Foods that help acid reflux
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• Vegetables and non-citrus fruits Fruits and
  vegetables are generally good for reducing
  stomach acid. They are low in fat and sugar, and
  they provide fiber and important nutrients. Some
  specific examples of fruits and vegetables that
  are low in acid and may help reduce stomach acid
  levels include bananas, melons, broccoli,
  asparagus, and green beans.
• Whole grains Whole grains are a good source of
  fiber, which may help absorb stomach acid. Some
  examples of whole grains include brown rice,
  oatmeal, and whole-grain breads.
• Lean protein Lean protein sources, such as
  chicken, seafood, tofu, and egg whites, can also
  help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. These foods
  are low in fat and can be prepared in a variety
  of ways, such as baking, broiling, poaching, or
  grilling.
• Beans, peas, and lentils Beans, peas, and
  lentils are good sources of fiber, protein,
  vitamins, and minerals. They can be a part of a
  healthy diet for people with acid reflux.

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• Nuts and seeds Nuts and seeds are also good
  sources of fiber and nutrients. They may help
  absorb stomach acid. Some examples of nuts and
  seeds include almonds, peanuts, chia,
  pomegranate, and flaxseeds.
• Yogurt Yogurt is a good source of protein and
  probiotics, which are beneficial for the
  digestive tract. It can be soothing to an
  irritated esophagus.
• Healthy fats Fat is a necessary nutrient, but
  eating too many fatty foods can trigger symptoms
  of acid reflux. Its a good idea to cut down on
  unhealthy fats by replacing them with unsaturated
  fats. Some examples of healthy fats include
  avocados, olive oil, walnuts, and soy products.
• Ginger Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties
  and has been used for centuries to treat
  gastrointestinal problems. It can be added to
  smoothies, soups, stir-fries, or other dishes, or
  steeped as a tea.

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Foods to Avoid With Acid Reflux
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• Chocolate contains caffeine, cocoa, and plant
  chemicals that can relax the lower esophageal
  sphincter (LES), the muscle that controls the
  passage between the stomach and esophagus. This
  can lead to heartburn.
• Peppermint known for soothing irritable bowel,
  peppermint has the opposite effect on acid
  reflux. It relaxes the muscles used for
  digestion, including the LES,and and a relaxed
  LES is a leaky LES.
• Fatty foods they can relax the LES and take
  longer to digest, which can cause stomach acid to
  back up into the esophagus. As food sits longer
  in your stomach, your body produces more acid.
• Spicy foods Capsaicin, the chemical compound
  which causes food to have a spicy taste, can
  cause irritation in certain digestive tract which
  can lead to acid reflux

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• Acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits
  and juices, tomatoes, and vinaigrette have a high
  acid content, contributing to an already acidic
  environment.
• Garlic and onions can stimulate acid production,
  which can lead to heartburn.
• Alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages can
  all relax the LES. Bubbles in carbonation expand
  the stomach. This pushes stomach contents against
  the LES.

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• When to See a Healthcare Provider
• People with mild to moderate acid reflux symptoms
  dont usually require medical attention.
  Lifestyle and diet changes and over-the-counter
  antacids can help ease symptoms. Foods have
  different effects on different people. What works
  for some people might not work for others. 
• If acid reflux is impacting your quality of life,
  or if you have acid reflux more than twice a
  week, Call us today or schedule an appointment.
  We have convenient locations to serve you in
  Laredo, TX.