Acid reflux happens when acid normally in the stomach backs up into the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (the esophagus).
When acid reflux occurs more than twice weekly, is long-lasting, or causes uncomfortable symptoms or damage, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
9 foods that help with acid reflux
Melons are the best fruits for acid reflux, because they are all low in acid. Examples of melons include:
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
Other foods that are good for people who have acid reflux include:
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Mild green vegetables such as lettuce, celery, and sweet peppers
- Fennel
- Ginger
- Chicken breast, prepared baked, broiled, or grilled and without skin
10 foods to avoid with acid reflux
Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit should be avoided due to their high acidity, which may aggravate symptoms of acid reflux.
Other foods to avoid that may worsen symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Fatty or greasy foods
- Fried foods
- Spicy foods
- Coffee and tea
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Peppermint
- Carbonated beverages
- Tomatoes and tomato products such as marinara sauce, ketchup, and tomato soup
6 home remedies for acid reflux
Home remedies that may help relieve acid reflux include:
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
- Elevate the head of the bed
- Don’t overeat
- Don’t eat 2 to 3 hours before bed
- Don’t smoke
- Wear loose clothing around the stomach area
7 heartburn medicines and treatments
If lifestyle changes do not relieve acid reflux symptoms, medications may include:
- Antacids
- Such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox), calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids), sucrose and calcium carbonate (Tums), and simethicone (Mylanta)
- Histamine blockers
- Such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and nizatidine (Axid AR)
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (AcipHex)
- Prokinetics
- Such as bethanechol (Urecholine) and metoclopramide (Reglan)
- Antibiotics
- Can help the stomach empty faster
- Erythromycin has fewer side effects than prokinetics
In severe cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes or medications, surgery may be recommended. Types of surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include:
- Fundoplication
- Endoscopic techniques
What Are Symptoms of Acid Reflux?
Symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Regurgitation
- Feeling as if food is stuck in the throat
- Problems swallowing
- Stomach pain
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Hiccups
- Bad breath
- Respiratory problems
- Bloating
- Belching
- Nausea
- Vomiting (may be bloody)
- Bloody or black stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Wheezing
- Tooth erosion
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occur when the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes, causing stomach contents to back up into the esophagus.
Causes of lower esophageal sphincter weakness or relaxation include:
- Overweight or obesity, which puts increased pressure on the abdomen
- Pregnancy, which also puts increased pressure on the abdomen
- Hiatal hernia
- Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke
- Certain medicines
- Asthma medications
- Calcium channel blockers
- Antihistamines
- Painkillers
- Sedatives
- Antidepressants
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https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acid-reflux-and-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-in-adults-the-basics?search=Acid%20Reflux&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults
https://www.uhhospitals.org/Healthy-at-UH/articles/2014/04/best-and-worst-foods-for-acid-reflux