8 Foods to Avoid When You Have Acid Reflux

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can cause a burning feeling in your chest, called heartburn, or discomfort in your throat. It can happen to anyone, but some people experience it more often.

One of the biggest causes of acid reflux is the food you eat. Certain foods can relax the muscles between your stomach and esophagus or increase stomach acid, making symptoms worse. Knowing which foods to avoid can help reduce discomfort and improve your digestion.

If you often suffer from acid reflux, it’s a good idea to watch what you eat. Below is a list of foods that may trigger acid reflux and why you should avoid them.

Spicy foods can upset your stomach and throat. Ingredients like hot peppers can make your stomach produce more acid, leading to heartburn. Dishes like hot sauces and spicy snacks can make symptoms worse. It is best to avoid these foods to help keep your discomfort under control.

Foods that are sour or acidic can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, as well as tomatoes and tomato sauces, are very acidic. These foods can irritate your throat and lead to more heartburn. Limiting these foods can help reduce discomfort.

Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee and tea, can relax the muscle that keeps stomach acid down. This allows acid to flow back into your throat more easily. Caffeine may also increase stomach acid production. Switching to decaffeinated coffee or herbal teas can help manage your symptoms better.

Fatty and fried foods take longer to digest, which puts pressure on your stomach. This pressure can push stomach acid back into your throat, causing heartburn. Fried chicken, french fries, and fatty meats are examples of these foods. Choosing grilled or baked options is a better choice.

Peppermint may soothe some stomach issues but can worsen acid reflux for many people. It relaxes the muscle that keeps stomach acid down, allowing it to come back up into the throat more easily. Avoid peppermint tea, candies, and other peppermint products if you have reflux.

Carbonated drinks like soda create gas in your stomach, increasing pressure that can lead to acid reflux symptoms. The bubbles push against the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus. It is best to limit or stop drinking soda for better symptom control.

Alcohol relaxes the muscle that keeps stomach acid down and increases acid production in the stomach. This combination makes alcohol a major trigger for acid reflux symptoms like heartburn and discomfort. Reducing or avoiding alcohol can help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

Chocolate contains caffeine and other ingredients that may relax the muscles, keeping stomach acid down. This can lead to increased episodes of acid reflux. The fat in chocolate also slows digestion, causing pressure in the stomach that pushes acid back up into the esophagus.