What to eat to reduce acid reflux?

Foods rich in fiber 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, Center for Endoscopy and Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgery, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that gastroesophageal reflux is a fairly common disease, caused by acid from the stomach refluxing into the esophagus, irritating the mucosa.

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 are drug treatment and changes in eating and living habits to help reduce symptoms.

According to Dr. Trung, some of the foods below help prevent acid reflux.

Foods rich in fiber are found in vegetables and whole grains such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets. This group of foods makes you feel full for a long time, prevents overeating, and reduces heartburn.

Alkaline foods such as bananas, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts neutralize stomach acid, reducing reflux.

Foods that contain a lot of water such as celery, cucumber, lettuce, watermelon, herbal tea dilute and reduce acid in the stomach. In case of reflux causing uncomfortable heartburn, the patient can use some drinks to reduce heartburn.

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

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

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

Ginger aids digestion, especially when heartburn symptoms occur. This spice is naturally alkaline, contributing to anti-inflammatory, reducing irritation in the digestive tract.

Apple cider vinegar is effective in controlling acid reflux symptoms. However, do not drink too much because the strong acid in the vinegar can irritate the esophagus. Drink only a small amount with warm water and drink with meals.

In addition to foods that should be eaten, people with acid reflux should limit foods high in fat, oil, coffee, beer, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and sour foods. They cause the stomach to secrete more fluid and work harder.

Some other ways to prevent reflux include maintaining a reasonable body mass index (BMI), not overeating, abstaining from alcoholic beverages, eating smaller meals, not lying down, and avoiding exercise or strenuous activity after a full meal.

Dr. Trung added that patients should see a doctor if they have heartburn two or more times a week despite changing their diet. Patients can have a test to measure the acid concentration in the esophagus and examine the condition of esophageal damage through an endoscopy. The doctor will evaluate possible causes of reflux such as hiatal hernia, tumors compressing the esophageal sphincter, etc.

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

Quyen Phan

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