Feb 2021
Jacqui Lewis - BHSc Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine

Use Food to Control Acid Reflux

Woman holding her stomach due to acid reflux

Why do you want to use food to control acid reflux?

According to Chris Kresser use of antacids and medications like Zantac, Nexium etc, lower stomach acid, however, low stomach acid is actually a cause of reflux.

Can you see a roundabout kicking off here?

Low stomach acid allows bacteria to grow in your stomach, which can cause reflux. Using foods to control your reflux can prevent pain and improve your gut health while preserving enough stomach acid to prevent bacterial growth.

Below are 19 foods to alleviate acid reflux naturally

1. Whole Grains (Especially Oatmeal)

Whole grains like whole-wheat bread (especially rye), brown rice, and oatmeal should all prevent reflux. Oatmeal is even thought to absorb stomach acid, and acid from other foods. Please note that this not include granola which tends to be high in oil which triggers reflux.

2. Beans

Beans are a heart-healthy food, and are also a good source of fibre. Try including beans into your acid reflux diet to see how they help.

3. Vegetables (No Onions, Tomatoes, or Peppers)

Raw or cooked, vegetables are generally good for an acid reflux diet. Be sure to avoid onions, tomatoes, or peppers. Recommended vegetables include all root vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, and carrots. Other great vegetables include mushrooms, fennel, and celery.

4. Lean Fish

Fish is one of the healthiest foods around. A great source of protein and most vitamins, and minerals, fish is a great addition to any diet. When preparing fish for a GERD diet, be sure to choose less fatty fish, and only grill, sautee or steam it. Never consume it fried, or deep-fried.

5. Lean Chicken and Turkey

Lean chicken and turkey is a great affordable source of protein. Be sure to choose cuts without skin, and always grill or sautee the chicken. Never pan fry or deep fry it.

6. Tofu

Tofu is a low-fat source of protein. Tofu, however, is typically served fried or deep-fried, which you should avoid when on a reflux diet. Look for steamed or sauteed tofu recipes.

7. Bananas

Known for being high in potassium, bananas also have a low pH (acidity) and are typically advised for an acid reflux diet.

8. Melon

Honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon should also be helpful for acid reflux. It is, however, easy to overeat melon, which can trigger reflux. Watch your portion sizes with melon.

9. Honey and Agave

Honey, especially Manuka Honey, is reportedly helpful for reflux. Manuka honey, in particular, is reported to contain enzymes to help digestion.
Sweeteners like honey and agave can make a great addition to oatmeal in an acid reflux diet.

10. Ginger

Ginger is renowned as being anti-inflammatory and is often prescribed as a natural remedy to a variety of stomach ailments. Try adding ginger to various dishes (such as steamed fish), and also try to drink ginger tea before or after meals to see how it helps with reflux.

11. Herbs (Except for pepper, citrus, garlic, and mustard)

Herbs are a healthy way to add flavour to your food without needed to use excessive amounts of oil, salt, or sugar. Try a variety of herbs in your diet to see how it affects your acid reflux.

12. Chamomile Tea (No black or green tea)

Since black and green teas are caffeinated and generally are foods to
avoid for acid reflux, you can try Chamomile tea as a substitute.
Chamomile tea has long been a soothing tea, helping to lower stress levels which can further alleviate reflux.

13. Egg Whites

Egg whites are typically a staple food for body-builders and provide all of the protein in eggs, with none of the fat found in the yolks. Since people with GERD should avoid fats, egg whites present a good way to get some of the nutrition from eggs without the bad effects.

14. Olive Oil (Max 2 Tablespoons per Day)

Since fat is a necessary part of a diet, but generally bad for reflux, the study allowed participants to consume 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Other high-fat fruits include coconut and avocado.

15. Soy Milk

Full fat, and even skim milk, can often trigger reflux. Soy Milk can present a great alternative, as well as lactose-free milk.

16. Soups

Homemade soups, especially with whole wheat noodles and the approved vegetables above can make a great meal to prevent reflux. As with melon, watch portion size so not to overeat. Soup also has the advantage of being low in calories, aiding in weight loss, which is likely to help with acid reflux.

17. Plain Popcorn (Unbuttered, Unsalted)

Popcorn is considered a whole grain and can make a great snack. Be sure to only eat plain popcorn with nothing added. Like soup, popcorn tends to be a great low-calorie snack for weight loss.

18. Chewing Gum

Chewing gum immediately after a meal, and for up to one hour, helps to reduce the amount of acid felt in the esophagus. Acid reflux is further reduced when chewing gum, and is combined with walking after meals.

When buying chewing gum, look for brands with no artificial ingredients or sweeteners.

19. Vinegar

Since acid reflux is often caused by low stomach acid after too many PPIs, drinking some vinegar before meals can actually help prevent reflux. For best results mix the vinegar with water or manuka honey. Drinking the yeast, mother, or bacteria which made the vinegar can also give your stomach a pro-biotic boost, eliminating the harmful bacteria which thrive in a low-acid stomach.

Download here the complete brochure with the 18 foods to alleviate acid reflux naturally.

Brochure Foods to control Acid Reflux

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Jacqui Lewis
BHSc Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine