15 Foods and Drinks You Should Avoid If You Have Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a common digestive disorder that causes a burning sensation in your chest. While it can be triggered by unhealthy eating habits, excessive stress, or habits like smoking, avoiding certain foods and drinks can significantly reduce symptoms. Here's a list of 15 common culprits and tips for managing acid reflux.

Fried Foods

Fried foods take a long time to digest, forcing the stomach to produce excess acid. They also trigger the release of bile salts and the hormone cholecystokinin, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to back up into the esophagus. Avoid fried chicken, french fries, and mozzarella sticks.

Citrus Fruits

While rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, citrus fruits are acidic and can trigger excess acid production in the stomach. Avoid lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits when you experience acid reflux.

Chocolate

Excessive chocolate consumption can trigger acid reflux symptoms. Chocolate can relax the muscles in the esophageal valve, allowing food and stomach contents to back up, causing a burning sensation in the chest and neck.

Carbonated Drinks

Soda can cause bloating, increasing pressure on the esophageal sphincter, and leading to acid leakage.

Coffee

The caffeine in coffee can stimulate the production of excess stomach acid. Limit your intake of coffee and caffeinated teas.

Alcohol

Alcohol can produce excess gas in the stomach, leading to bloating, heartburn, and acid reflux.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are a major trigger for acid reflux. Studies show that 62% of GERD patients cite spicy foods as a major trigger.

Ultra-Processed Snacks

Ultra-processed foods contain many additives, sweeteners, and artificial colors. While there's no direct research, diets high in fat, salt, and spices often found in ultra-processed snacks are linked to an increased risk of GERD.

Tomatoes

Malic acid and citric acid in tomatoes can trigger stomach acid production. Avoid fresh tomatoes, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, and spaghetti sauce.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea can relax the esophageal sphincter and allow acid to back up into the esophagus. Choose chamomile or ginger tea as an alternative.

Juice

Citrus, tomato, and grapefruit juices contain acids that can trigger acid reflux.

Fatty Meats

Fatty meats take longer to digest, increasing acid production. Avoid ribs, skin-on chicken, and fatty beef.

Pizza

Pizza contains acidic tomato sauce, fatty meat toppings, and salty crust, which can trigger GERD symptoms. Make your own pizza with a low-sodium crust, white sauce or olive oil, and lean protein toppings.

Onion and Garlic

These common ingredients can increase stomach acid production, potentially aggravating heartburn and reflux symptoms. Consider using alternative flavorings or reducing their quantities in meals.

Mint

Similar to peppermint tea, mint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux. Choose other flavorings or avoid mint-flavored products.

What foods and drinks trigger acid reflux?

This article provides a list of 15 foods and drinks that are commonly associated with acid reflux. Some examples include fried foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, ultra-processed snacks, tomatoes, peppermint tea, juice, fatty meats, pizza, onion and garlic, and mint.

What is the most common trigger for acid reflux among GERD patients?

Spicy foods are the most common trigger for acid reflux among GERD patients, with 62% reporting it as a major trigger.

Why should people avoid fried foods?

Fried foods take longer to digest, leading to increased acid production in the stomach. They also trigger the release of bile salts and cholecystokinin, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making acid reflux more likely.

How can people avoid acid reflux from pizza?

People can reduce their risk of acid reflux from pizza by choosing a low-sodium crust, using white sauce or olive oil instead of tomato sauce, and opting for lean protein toppings.

Why should people limit their intake of coffee?

Coffee contains caffeine, which can stimulate the production of excess stomach acid, potentially leading to acid reflux.

Food Triggers and Personalized Care

Remember that everyone has different tolerances to foods and drinks. If you experience acid reflux symptoms, it's best to consult a doctor for personalized advice. They can help you identify specific triggers and recommend strategies for managing your condition.