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Acid Reflux Diet

The Acid reflux diet is an essential part of acid reflux recovery.  One must keep in mind that the condition would not exist without a damaged esophagus and a weakened LES (lower esophageal sphincter).  If the condition is to be eliminated, healing the esophagus must be the first order of business and a proper acid reflux diet is most important.

While attempting an acid reflux diet an important consideration is that during this reflux recovery period, eating anything which could irritate or damage the esophagus must be avoided. Things like poorly chewed chips, crackers, cereal or any hard foods with sharp edges are culinary culprits - they cause little lacerations to develop in the esophagus.  Until the lacerations have had a chance to heal, spicy foods, such as acidic tomato products, hot peppers, raw garlic and raw onions should also be eliminated.  This is crucial for the acid reflux diet.  They just further irritate the condition.  Smoking and drinking alcohol relax the LES, allowing stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus, thus impeding the healing process. 

Major symptoms of acid reflux are burning pain in the upper stomach, backflow into the esophagus, and regurgitation.  Acid reflux occurs due to the improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES).  The acid reflux diet requires that one recognize which foods trigger their acid reflux.

The key to a successful acid reflux diet is to eat only mild, easy to digest food until the esophagus has healed.  Eat early, giving yourself at least three hours of sitting or walking time before lying down.  Eat slowly and chew your food completely.  Last, but not least, try to eat in a relaxed, pleasant and stress free environment.

It is also very important to drink copious amounts of pure water while on the acid reflux diet.  Water flushes toxins out of the system and prepares the body to heal more quickly.