Identifying What Food to Avoid for Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more commonly known as acid reflux.

It can be a painful and uncomfortable chronic illness. Untreated GERD can damage the larynx and esophagus. It can also lead to hoarseness, coughing or even symptoms normally associated with asthma.
It is vital to confirm if your symptoms are those of GERD. Doing so will make it possible for you to treat your symptoms accordingly. Identifying what food to avoid for acid reflux is an important part of your acid reflux treatment.

Relaxation is Not Always a Good Thing
When the sphincter at the base of your esophagus fails to close properly, GERD is the result. There is nothing to stop stomach acid from coming up through your esophagus and into your throat and mouth. This acid causes a burning sensation in your throat and chest and leaves a sour taste in your mouth. Acid reflux might even be painful enough to interfere with sleep, and it might keep you from relaxing after you eat.

There are a number of foods and beverages that can cause the sphincter to relax. Since the specific foods that cause this relaxation phenomenon vary from one person to another, your doctor may suggest you keep a diary of the foods you eat. By doing so, you can identify what food to avoid for acid reflux. You will knnow which foods and drinks that aggravate symptoms in your digestive system. You should then eliminate these items from your diet as part of your acid reflux treatment.
Identifying what food to avoid for acid reflux is a simple solution that is often sufficient to reduce or eliminate your symptoms. For this reason, doctors usually recommend a change in your diet before they proceed with any further tests or medical treatment options. If simply changing what you eat is effective, you can avoid medical remedies, surgery and invasive diagnostic procedures when your symptoms are merely acid reflux.

The Common Culprits
Although your food diary will identify what particular food to avoid for acid reflux, there are foods that most sufferers need to avoid. Certain acidic fruit juices such as grapefruit and orange juice commonly cause symptoms. Coffee and alcohol are likely to exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
Since meats and vegetables are often irritants, you would be advised to avoid mashed potatoes, raw onions and ground beef. Dairy products such as milk shakes and ice cream are poor dietary choices. Spaghetti with sauce should be avoided, as should macaroni and cheese. You should also avoid chocolate and all fatty foods. Avoid eating large meals or lying down shortly after eating.
Changing your diet is worth the effort. Finding relief from your painful symptoms may be worth avoiding foods that are known to make acid reflux worse for just about anyone. These simple lifestyle changes may make it possible to control your acid reflux without medication or surgery.