Acid reflux is the reverse passage of gastric contents into the esophagus (alimentary canal) that can cause heartburn. Acid reflux is the actual action of the part of the stomach contents that rises into the esophagus (sometimes in the throat and even in the mouth), while acidity is the unpleasant sensation as a result of that action.

If one suffers from frequent acid reflux, such person may have GERD: gastroesophageal reflux disease. It may sound scary, but in most cases, GERD is not a severe condition and is experienced by at least one in ten persons every day. But persistent episodes can damage the lining of the esophagus, so you should definitely talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re worried.

Symptoms of acid reflux
The typical symptoms of acid reflux are:

• Heartburn: a burning or pain that is felt behind the breastbone that can reach the throat.
• Regurgitation: an acidic acid or bitter taste that goes back to the throat or mouth.

Other possible symptoms of acid reflux disease include:

• Swelling
• Burp
• Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing or feeling of food trapped in the throat
• Hiccup that does not give up
• Nausea
• Weight loss without any known reason
• Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness or a chronic sore throat

Foods that cause acid reflux

Here is a list of foods to avoid if experiencing acid reflux:

• Soda
  Non-alcoholic drinks and other carbonated drinks are some of the leading causes of acid reflux. The carbonation bubbles expand into the stomach, and the increase in pressure contributes to reflux. The sodas with caffeine and those that are acidic (almost all) are even worse. Of the drinks that were tested, Coca-Cola, Tab, and Diet Pepsi were the most acidic. All carbonated beverages can be a cause of the problem, so it is recommended to abstain from these completely to avoid acid reflux.
• Fried food
  Fried rice is the best-known cause of reflux. It is also frequently associated with heartburn, which is chest pain due to esophageal reflux. Fried foods (or even non-fried foods) are on the ‘bad list’ because of their high-fat content.
• Alcohol
  It is believed that beer, liquors, and wine contribute to reflux. Many alcoholic beverages are not very acidic. However, it is assumed that alcohol relaxes the valve at the bottom of the esophagus (where it sticks to the stomach), causing reflux. Refrain if you can; otherwise, just drink a cocktail or a glass of wine and avoid acid mixers such as orange juice or soft drinks entirely.
• Dairy products with a high-fat content
  All types of foods with high-fat can cause acid reflux. If you have reflux and a craving for cheese, something has to be given up. Use a small amount of these foods as a flavoring, but not as primary ingredients. Low fat is better than not having fat.
• Fatty meat
  Acid reflux is caused by cuts with a high-fat content in meat: beef, pork, and lamb. Their consumption should be limited to once a week.
• Caffeine
  A cup of coffee or espresso every day is fine but people who drink coffee all day are more susceptible to it. Try to switch to chamomile, which is the best herbal tea, or you can drink a cup of green tea a day if it is slightly infused.

The best foods and drinks for an acid reflux diet:

• Ginger
  You could already use ginger when you have a stomach ache, but its anti-inflammatory properties also help to calm acid reflux. Try preparing a relaxing tea by soaking the sliced ​​fresh ginger in hot water. However, staying away from ginger beer, carbonation and sugar could exacerbate acid reflux. Ginger should be included as a part of your acid reflux diet.
• Bananas
  It is evident enough that highly acidic fruits like oranges, grapefruits or berries can worsen acid reflux. But it has been shown that alkaline foods with a higher pH neutralize heartburn and help relieve the acid reflux symptoms. With a pH of 4.5-5.2, bananas are some of the most alkaline fruits out there. Include bananas as a part of your acid reflux diet.
• Yogurt
  It’s a fresh and creamy selection that can help fight heartburn. Choose sugar-free yogurt and consider whether to stick to low-fat or fat-free varieties. Foods high in fat tend to lower the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscles where the esophagus meets the stomach) and take more time digesting it, increasing the risk of reflux, says the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD).
• Melon
  Like bananas, melons are another highly alkaline fruit. Try adding melon, sweet melon or watermelon in your smoothie as a part of your acid reflux diet instead of higher peaks like berries, and see if your belly does not start to feel better.
• Green vegetables
  There are already a million reasons why you should eat green vegetables every day, but here’s another one: green vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and spinach are also very alkaline. Include greens as a part of your acid reflux diet.
• Chewing gum
  Chewing gum increases the production of saliva, which can help reduce the amount of acid in the esophagus. Just avoid peppermint or mint, as these flavors can relax the esophagus and cause acid splashes.

When you have acid reflux, what and how much you eat has a direct impact on how you feel. By avoiding the triggers to see portion size to lighten up your family’s favorites, acid reflux diet management is a crucial part of controlling it. So, pay close attention to your acid reflux diet and to the foods to avoid with acid reflux to live a healthy life.