Is acid reflux troubling you? It’s time to drop these 9 foods from your diet

You need to be very careful with your diet if you are struggling with acid reflux. That’s simply because certain foods can worsen your condition!
acidity
Acidity can be quite a pain - literally! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Updated: 25 Nov 2021, 09:57 am IST
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Do you tend to binge eat mindlessly, and then end up feeling nauseated? If so, it may be because you’re struggling with acid reflux, also known as acidity. Almost all of us experience some degree of heartburn or acidity from time to time. But all the burning, bitter taste in the throat, gassy bloating in the stomach points towards acid reflux!

Whatever you eat travels through your mouth, down to your esophagus, and into your stomach. Therefore, whatever you eat has an impact on your digestive system. 

It is important to understand that the condition may worsen, if you eat the wrong foods. Yes, there are several foods which may interrupt the normal digestion and pH balance of the stomach, leading to the formation of acid

acid reflux
Get rid of acidity by avoiding these foods. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Dr Roy Patankar, Director and Gastroenterologist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, reveals certain foods to HealthShots, which should be avoided, in case you suffer from acid reflux. 

These are the foods that can aggravate acid reflux, according to Dr Patankar:

1. Caffeine

Coffee, caffeinated teas, sodas, and energy drinks contain caffeine that can intensify acid reflux episodes, and cause heartburn too. It is better to eliminate caffeine from your diet completely.

2. Spicy foods

Do you eat chili peppers? Well, you can rethink your decision of doing so, as they contain capsaicin that can irritate the esophagus, and aggravate any heartburn symptoms.

3. Alcohol

All forms of alcohol tend to have a negative impact on one’s health. It can take a toll on each and every part of the body, along with the digestive system. Moreover, Dr Patankar says, “It can be problematic for those who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Consumption of alcohol can inflame and irritate the stomach and impair the functioning of the esophageal sphincter. Alcohol can also cause heartburn.”

acid reflux
Consuming alcohol can negatively impact your body’s digestive system. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages like sodas and energy drinks are acidic and caffeinated, and can lead to acid reflux.

5. Chocolate

Dr Patankar says, “Chocolate leads to intestinal cells releasing serotonin, causing the esophageal sphincter to relax and allowing stomach acid to flow upwards.”

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are acidic in nature and can cause acidity problems.

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Tomatoes can make you gassy. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

7. Processed foods

Are you eating processed foods on a daily basis? If yes, you will have to give up on them. “It is a known fact that these foods can invite acidity. So, avoid ready-to-eat meals, cakes, biscuits, and tinned vegetables, says Dr Patankar. 

8. Deep-fried foods

Are you a fan of deep-fried foods like french fries, bhajiyas, samosas, chips, or onion rings? They, too, can cause acidity.

9. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are a common cause of acidity, because they increase acid production in your stomach. Lemons and sweet limes have the most citric acid!

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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