What foods can reduce acid reflux?

Fiber-rich foods help you feel full longer and neutralize stomach acid, such as fruits, green vegetables, ginger, and apple cider vinegar, which can prevent reflux.

Dr. Huynh Van Trung, a specialist in Endoscopy and Endoscopic Surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a fairly common condition caused by stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus, irritating the mucous membrane.

Symptoms include heartburn, nausea, bitter taste in the mouth, sore throat, persistent cough, hoarseness, epigastric pain, inflammation, ulcers, or narrowing of the esophageal mucosa. Depending on the condition, the doctor will consider medical or surgical treatment. Common methods include medication and changes in diet and lifestyle to reduce symptoms.

According to Doctor Trung, some of the following foods help prevent acid reflux.

Fiber-rich foods are abundant in vegetables and whole grains such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets. This group of foods creates a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating and reducing heartburn.

Alkaline foods like bananas, cauliflower, dill, and nuts neutralize stomach acid, reducing reflux.

Foods high in water content , such as celery, cucumber, lettuce, watermelon, and herbal teas, can dilute and reduce stomach acid. In cases of reflux causing uncomfortable heartburn, patients can use certain drinks to alleviate heartburn.

Lemon water : Mixing a small amount of lemon juice with warm water and honey has an alkalizing effect, helping to neutralize stomach acid. Honey contains natural antioxidants, protecting the health of cells.

A cup of hot lemon and honey tea can help relieve heartburn. Photo: Freepik — Drinking a cup of hot lemon and honey tea can help relieve heartburn. Photo: *Freepik*

Skim milk helps neutralize stomach acid, protects the stomach lining, and reduces heartburn. Low-fat yogurt has similar soothing properties to healthy probiotics (good bacteria), which help improve digestion.

Ginger aids digestion, especially when experiencing heartburn. This spice is naturally alkaline, contributing to anti-inflammation and reducing irritation in the digestive tract.

Apple cider vinegar can help control symptoms of acid reflux. However, you shouldn't drink too much of it because the strong acid in the vinegar can irritate the esophagus. Only drink a small amount with warm water and consume it during meals.

Besides the foods they should eat, people with acid reflux need to limit foods high in fat and oil, coffee, beer, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods. These cause the stomach to produce more acid and work harder.

Other ways to prevent reflux include maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI), avoiding overeating, abstaining from alcohol, eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down, and refraining from strenuous exercise or activity after eating a large meal.

Dr. Trung added that patients should see a doctor if they experience heartburn two or more times a week, even after changing their diet. Patients may undergo tests to measure acid levels in the esophagus and have their esophageal condition assessed through gastroscopy imaging. The doctor will evaluate possible causes of reflux such as hiatal hernia, tumors compressing the esophageal sphincter, etc.

If the condition is persistent or recurs frequently, and is resistant to medical treatment and lifestyle changes, the doctor may recommend surgery.

Quyen Phan

Readers can post questions about digestive diseases here for doctors to answer.

Source link