Optimum diet for acid refluxers

There is no easy answer to this.

We are all different and manage foods differently. You are best advised to keep a food diary and attempt to identify your own particular trigger foods to avoid.

Food lists and diets abound on the net with diets that others have found useful but may not actually be pertinent to you.

The banned foods list actually often includes misinformation with some perpetuated myths. I am sending you a link by P.M. to a free download of a recipe book produced by my patinet support charity a few years ago and endorsed by a top gastroenterologist, that others have found useful.

Meanwhile, fatty foods are possibly the worst culprits as they reside longer in the stomach and don't break up with acid which can cause extra acid to be produced that's not neutralised.

Myths that are propagated include spicy food. If this were the case, the Asian subcontinent would have a higher incidence of acid reflux induced probems. We may think it burns because of the burning sensation at the back of the throat and if we have any inflammation in the oesophagus, we may feel it pass over it but it is rarely an actual trigger and some of the spices (eg cucumin) can be beneficial.

Acid and alkaline foods is another myth since their pH varies only marginally from neutral 7 whereas the acid in the stomach is a strong pH 1.

Milk also. It contains animal fats and milk + acid produces casein (a plastic) that can actually cause problems.

Yes definately start keeping a food diary. My GI doctor told me the old adage is it is always spicy foods that can cause problems really doesn't work. What bothers some people doesn't bother others. In general some have trouble with gassy foods, high acids foods and caffine. Some find they are sensitive to gluten. Hopefully a diary will help you pinpoint your trigger foods. (P.S. It is also recommended you eat smaller meals multiple times a day.)

I have found that soft drinks and coffee are major triggers for me as is spicy food. Tomato and tomato based products are also. Citrus fruits are also. Most meats I can toletate even fried as long as they are drained properly of as much of the remaining xooking oil as possible. I use paper towel to absorb it before eating. Burgers I cook in a straining type grill like the george foreman grill. I avoid mayo,ketchup and mustard in my foods. Cheese does not bother me. Large portions do however so I make my meals smaller portion wise. Enough to eat well but not stuff my self. Diet is important and so is Before meal and after meal accomidations like eating at least three hours before bed,sleeping on an elevated bed. Putting some time between each meal to give the stomach time to move things along. I find a good walk helps that process.