How to Start an Acid Reflux Diet

When you are diagnosed with acid reflux you might want to start a special diet to help cope with the discomforts of the disease. Your doctor might recommend specific foods to avoid, and might encourage you to add certain nutrients to your diet. Beyond that, there are several things you can do to make living with acid reflux easier.

Instructions

1. Take your acid reflux medications as prescribed. If no medication was given, try an over-the-counter pill instead, especially when you have flare-ups of the disease. This can make certain foods less painful.

2. Research foods that are low in acidity, such as poultry, beef, eggs, milk, vegetables and baked goods. Generally, foods with a pH above 4.6 are sufficiently low in acidity to avoid triggering acid reflux disease.

3. Make a list of the foods you like that are low in acidity. For example, if you enjoy quite a bit of meat in your diet, add things like chicken, pork chops, hamburgers and fish to your list. These are the things you should buy at the grocery store.

4. Avoid foods that are spicy, such as salsa, jalapeños, chili and cocktail sauce. It is also a good idea to stay away from spices as an additive to food, as these can cause flare-ups of acid reflux disease.

5. Talk to a nutritionist about ways to prepare foods that work well with acid reflux disease. Often, this is the best way to add variety to your diet without compromising your health or your comfort. Your doctor is also a good resource.

6. Read labels on processed foods and packaged goods at the supermarket. Look for spices and high-acidity foods that might trigger your acid reflux disease. For many sufferers of this illness, it is easier to make your own meals than to try to buy packaged items.

7. Write down foods that make you uncomfortable as soon as you eat them. Keep a running list so you'll know which foods to avoid on your acid reflux diet.

8. Eat at least three to four hours before bed and stay sitting up until you go to sleep. This will help aid in digestion and avoid the regurgitation of acid..

9. Follow up with your doctor or nutritionist with your results. Every patient is different, and it is important to note changes to your diet or your comfort level for further examination.

Tips & Warnings

• Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing, as this makes digestion easier.