What Should People with Acid Reflux Avoid Eating?

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),is a chronic digestive disorder caused by the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus.

Normally, a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) located between the stomach and the esophagus prevents stomach acid from rising up. However, if this muscle is not strong enough or relaxes too often, acid seeps into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as burning, pain, and a bitter taste in the mouth.

Over time, acid reflux can cause inflammation, ulcers, and cellular damage in the esophagus. When it becomes chronic and significantly affects quality of life, it can become a serious health problem.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

The main cause of acid reflux is the functional weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter. When this muscle relaxes more often than it should, it allows stomach acid to flow back up. Many factors can trigger this condition. Obesity is one of the primary causes that increase reflux risk, as increased abdominal pressure puts pressure on the LES. Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy can have a similar effect.

Smoking can weaken the LES muscle, while certain foods like alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, and mint can cause the sphincter to relax. Additionally, delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis) can worsen reflux. Lifestyle factors such as stress and poor sleep can also indirectly contribute to acid reflux.

How Is Acid Reflux Treated?

The main goal of acid reflux treatment is to prevent stomach acid from damaging the esophagus and to control symptoms. Initially, lifestyle and dietary changes are recommended. Medication usually involves proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor blockers.

These medications reduce stomach acid, control symptoms, and allow the esophagus to heal. However, some patients may continue to experience symptoms despite medication. In such cases, further examinations may be necessary, and rarely, surgical treatment may be considered. The surgical procedure called fundoplication involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus to strengthen the sphincter. This method is preferred especially in patients whose reflux continues despite medication, those with severe esophageal damage, or those with a hiatal hernia.

What Should People with Acid Reflux Avoid Eating?

Foods that increase stomach acid or relax the lower esophageal sphincter should be avoided by reflux patients. These include chocolate, caffeinated drinks (coffee, cola),alcohol, fried foods, high-fat foods, mint, tomatoes and tomato products. Spicy foods, citrus fruits, and vinegar-containing foods can also increase stomach acidity and trigger reflux. Some vegetables like onions and garlic may worsen symptoms in certain individuals. Additionally, carbonated drinks can increase stomach pressure and cause reflux. Eating right before bedtime or consuming excessively large portions also raises the risk of stomach contents flowing back up.

• Fatty and Fried Foods: High-fat content delays stomach emptying and increases stomach pressure. This can cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and lead to stomach acid reflux. (Source: American Gastroenterological Association)
• Chocolate: The theobromine in chocolate relaxes the LES muscle, triggering reflux. It also contains fat and caffeine, which increase the risk. (Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
• Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, black tea, and energy drinks contribute to LES relaxation. Caffeine can also increase stomach acid. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
• Alcohol: Alcohol increases stomach acid production and impairs sphincter function. Especially wine and beer can worsen reflux symptoms. (Source: Cleveland Clinic)
• Mint and Mint Products: Mint, particularly spearmint and peppermint, relaxes the sphincter, allowing stomach contents to flow upward. (Source: Harvard Health Publishing)
• Tomatoes and Tomato Products: Tomatoes are highly acidic vegetables. Ketchup, tomato sauce, paste, and raw tomatoes also increase stomach acidity. (Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine)
• Citrus Fruits and Juices: Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and their juices can irritate the stomach lining due to their natural acids and worsen reflux. (Source: American College of Gastroenterology)
• Spicy Foods: Hot peppers, black pepper, garlic, and onions stimulate stomach acid and intensify the burning sensation in the esophagus. (Source: Stanford Health Care)
• Carbonated Drinks: Soda and fizzy drinks increase stomach volume, putting pressure on the sphincter, which can cause acid to flow back into the esophagus. (Source: University of Michigan Health)
• Processed Meats: High-fat and preservative-containing meats such as salami, sausage, and hot dogs can increase reflux symptoms. (Source: British Medical Journal - BMJ)
• Pastries and Fast Food: Foods like pizza, hamburgers, and savory pastries, which are high in fat, refined carbohydrates, and additives, have the potential to trigger reflux. (Source: Journal of Gastroenterology)
• Vinegar and Pickled Foods: Due to their high acidity, they can irritate the stomach lining and increase sensitivity, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. (Source: WebMD)
• Sugary Sweets and Cakes: High sugar content makes digestion difficult. Sugary foods combined with fat strain the stomach further and can trigger reflux attacks. (Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)