7 Foods Known to Trigger Acid Reflux

Many of us have felt the unpleasant sensations of acid reflux: the regurgitation of sour food and a burning feeling that travels from the chest, through the throat, and into the mouth. You might wonder why this discomfort happens.

Let's look at the science behind it. Your stomach's entrance has a muscle ring called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. Usually, this valve shuts right after food passes through. However, if the LES doesn't close all the way or opens too often, your stomach's acid can move up into the esophagus. This acid "intrusion" is the cause of heartburn.

The common risk factors for acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), include:

- Eating large meals

- Being overweight or obese

- Drinking certain beverages like alcohol, coffee, tea, or sodas

- Smoking

- Using over-the-counter and prescription medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, blood pressure drugs, or muscle relaxants

- Consuming specific foods

This article will focus on the last risk factor.

Let's begin!

Here are seven foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux:

CHOCOLATE

Attention, chocolate enthusiasts: this delectable treat might trigger more reflux than any other food. 

Here's the explanation:

1 – Chocolate's common ingredients, such as the stimulants caffeine and theobromine, may cause reflux.

2 – Chocolate has a high fat content.

3 – Chocolate includes cocoa, which is a bean known to elicit a reflux reaction.

While dark chocolate may not cause as many reflux episodes, the difference is slight.

CARBONATED DRINKS

Indeed, it's no surprise. Carbonated drinks, including the popular Coke and Pepsi, are major contributors to acid reflux.

Why carbonated drinks can exacerbate acid reflux:

1 – The carbonation bubbles, responsible for that "burp" reflex, expand in the stomach, potentially triggering reflux.

2 – Most sodas are acidic, and acidity is a known factor in reflux.

The biggest culprits? Diet Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Tab.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol may not be overly acidic, but almost every type – beer, spirits, and wine – can trigger acid reflux. This occurs because alcohol relaxes the valve between the esophagus and stomach, which is not the kind of "relaxation" one hopes for when drinking, as it can lead to unpleasant reflux.

HIGH-FAT DAIRY

It's clear that high-fat foods are major contributors to reflux. This category encompasses all high-fat dairy items, including cheese, milk, butter, yogurt, and ice cream. While low-fat options are preferable, they may also trigger reflux. It is advisable to enjoy dairy products infrequently.

CAFFEINE

Exasperation aside, let's get down to business. Medical professionals suggest that up to three 8-ounce cups of coffee a day are generally safe for health. Not too shabby, right? However, if you're a coffee aficionado, you might be flirting with acid reflux. Chamomile tea stands out as a healthier alternative, or perhaps a cup or two of green tea daily. Or, like many coffee enthusiasts, you might just take your chances.

FRIED FOODS

Fried foods, known for their high fat content, are often linked to acid reflux. Common items like French fries, fried chicken, and fried fish are delicious but notorious for causing heartburn. It's the high fat content in these foods that places them among the primary triggers of the chest pain associated with acid reflux.

MEATS

Similar to fried foods and dairy products, the high fat content in meats can trigger acid reflux. Meats like beef, lamb, and pork take more time to digest, passing slowly through the stomach, which heightens the risk of reflux.

A healthier choice would be to opt for lean meats such as chicken, turkey, beef tenderloin, lean pork cuts, extra lean ground beef, and Canadian bacon, and to restrict meat consumption to once a week as a main dish.

5 FOODS That Will Put an END to Your ACID REFLUX WOES

Acid reflux disease, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that affects around 20% of adults in Western cultures. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain, dyspepsia, nausea, bloating, and belching. Additionally, it is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction.

Understanding and managing acid reflux disease is crucial to alleviate its symptoms. There are five anti-acid reflux foods that can help calm the digestive system and reduce the discomfort caused by GERD. Whether you aim to manage your acid reflux symptoms or simply wish to learn more about this widespread condition, this journey promises to be both delicious and informative.

Source: powerofpositivity.com