Saturday, February 6, 2010

What food to eat for Acid reflux :

What food to eat for Acid reflux :


Vegetables

With the exception of onions and (for some people) tomatoes, most vegetables pose no threat for those with reflux, and they can actually help to minimize acid production. Carrots, peas, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, zucchini, cucumbers and many other veggies are highly recommended. The only caution is vegetables that have been fried or prepared in a cream sauce. Vegetable oils can increase acid. When eating a salad, be aware that vinegar-based dressings can also stimulate acid production.
Fruits

Non-citrus fruits such as bananas, apples, berries, peaches, pears and melons are highly recommended and cause no problems. The group to limit or avoid is citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes and pineapple.
Meats

Low-fat meats such as fish, skinless chicken or turkey are safe to eat unless they are fried, spicy or cooked in a rich sauce. Fatty meats including bacon, cold cuts, sausage, pepperoni, and the fat or skin of chicken can stimulate excess acid production. Animal fat or oil is a very poor choice for the anti-reflux diet.
Dairy

Milk, believed by many to counteract acid in the stomach, does not in fact do so (in fact, whole milk has the opposite effect). Cheeses can promote acid unless they are low-fat or fat-free. Fried eggs, like all fried foods, can cause acid problems, but eggs prepared by boiling or microwaving are safe. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cream cheese, ice cream and cottage cheese are suitable for the low-acid diet.
Drinks

Drinking large quantities of sugared soft drinks is an invitation for your stomach to produce huge amounts of acid. Alcohol in any form, whether beer, wine or spirits, can trigger a lot of stomach acid, as can the caffeine in coffee or tea (especially mint tea). Non-citrus fruit juices such as apple, grape or prune juice are recommended, as are water and caffeine-free teas or soft drinks. However, no liquids should be consumed in quantity after meals, as this mixes with foods to produce acid which can slosh around.
Considerations

According to the Mayo Clinic, smaller meals eaten more frequently are better for reflux than three large meals each day, since the stomach produces less acid when there is less food to digest. Meals should include bread, pasta or rice to help soak up acid. It is also important not to lie down or slump in a nearly horizontal position for an hour or two following a meal. Fast food, with its high fat content that generates more acid, should be avoided as much as possible. Desserts to stay away from include chocolate, mints and treats made with oils and/or fats.
Acid-Absorbing Snack

Crackers absorb excess acid without generating more of it. They can be a good snack before bedtime, but not with milk.

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