Is BBQ OK for Acid Reflux? Foods to Eat & Avoid

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Symptoms may include chest pain, cough, and difficulty swallowing, which are often worsened when lying down. In some cases, stomach acids flow up back into the throat.

Many medical professionals recommend dietary changes as one of the primary treatments for acid reflux.

To treat acid reflux effectively, it is important to understand the triggers that cause the condition in the first place. Maintaining a food diary can help you can track the following:

• Time you consume your food
• Specific foods you consume
• Symptoms you experience after consuming

Diet recommendations listed below can act as a general guide to help you plan your meals in order to reduce your symptoms. It is important to acknowledge that a single diet cannot prevent all symptoms of acid reflux in everyone, because food triggers are different for each person.

• Vegetables: Vegetables are low in sugar and fat and therefore good choices if you have acid reflux. Good examples include cucumbers, leafy greens, green beans, broccoli, asparagus, and cauliflower.
• Noncitrus fruits: Melons, pears, apples, and bananas are low in acidity and unlikely to trigger symptoms of acid reflux.
• Seafood and lean meats: Turkey, fish, chicken, or seafood are low in fat and help keep acid reflux symptoms at bay.
• Healthy fats: Healthy fats, such as olive oil, sesame oil, avocados, and walnuts, are better choices than saturated and trans fats.
• High-fiber foods: Eating foods high in fiber can keep you feeling full for longer and prevent acid reflux episodes in the long run. Excellent sources of fiber-rich foods include whole grains such as brown rice, couscous, and oatmeal; root vegetables such as beets, carrots, sweet potatoes; and green vegetables  such as green beans, broccoli, and asparagus.
• Water-rich foods: Food sources that have rich water content dilute stomach acid and therefore help with acid reflux. Water-rich foods include cucumber, celery, lettuce, watermelon, and herbal teas.
• Herbs: Fennel powder and ginger can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

One specific type of diet that may be good for acid reflux is the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Meal ideas for the Mediterranean diet plan include:

• Whole-grain toast with a side of poached eggs or avocados
• Whole-grain pita bread, hummus, and mixed green salad
• Grilled vegetable skewers
• Baked chicken or any lean meat of your choice with whole grain pasta

Some foods can cause the esophageal sphincter to relax and delay the digestive process, which then triggers acid reflux. foods to avoid include:

• Fast food
• Fried food
• Fatty meats (bacon and sausage)
• Cheese
• Chili powder and cayenne pepper
• Carbonated beverages
• Tomato-based sauces
• Chocolate
• Mint