Acid reflux is a health issue that occurs when food and stomach acids flow back into the esophagus. This often occurs due to the consumption of spicy or greasy food, but it could also be triggered by a weakened or damaged Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). That said, acid reflux can be managed with the help of healthy dietary and lifestyle choices. Here are a few foods to avoid for people with acid reflux:

Foods to avoid for managing acid reflux

Coffee and tea
Caffeine is one of the top triggers and aggravators of acid reflux, and it is present in alcohol, coffee, and carbonated beverages. To understand what works for you and does not worsen your symptoms, you can maintain a food diary to track the foods you eat and the symptoms you experience.

Chocolates
Chocolates are another common food that should be avoided for managing acid reflux. They cause the LES to function poorly and aggravate acid reflux and heartburn. Mints like peppermint and spearmint can also cause heartburn and should be avoided by people prone to acid reflux.

Citrus fruits
Certain studies have shown that fruits that contain citrus could be potential triggers for acid reflux. Instead, you can opt for foods that do not contain citrus, like melons, bananas, apples, and pears, to prevent reflux.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are known to trigger acid reflux in most people prone to the condition, so it’s best avoided in all forms. This includes salads and sauces like marinara and even ketchup. Tomato soup is soothing for the soul, but it might upset the tummy and trigger acid reflux and cause heartburn.

Fried foods
People prone to acid reflux and heartburn tend to experience flare-ups after eating spicy or fried foods, so you can opt for grilled or baked meats. You can also try them poached and boiled, depending on your preferences. Opting for lean meats like chicken, turkey, fish, and seafood is beneficial. Other safe food options include egg whites, chicken, and turkey.

Food that contain unhealthy fats
Unhealthy fats have a harmful effect on the stomach. On the other hand, healthy fats are shown to have a positive effect on the body, and especially on a weak tummy. Some foods to eat for healthy fats are avocados, sunflower oil, walnuts, flaxseeds, olive oil, and sesame seeds. You can replace saturated and trans fats with healthier, unsaturated fats.

Processed foods
Another group of foods to avoid for managing acid reflux, GERD, and heartburn are processed foods. Instead, you can replace processed foods with fresh fruits and vegetables. Veggies are beneficial for people with acid reflux. Not only are they low in fat but also in sugar, so you can start by adding more veggies like cauliflower, leafy greens, cucumbers, and spinach to your daily meals.