Bushra Griffith
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation in the throat or chest, known as heartburn. While the medical community has not reached a consensus on which foods cause acid reflux, researchers agree that certain foods and beverages can relax the valve at the end of the oesophagus, allowing acid to flow back up. This includes fatty foods, spicy foods, fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. Dairy products, such as cheese, may also trigger acid reflux or worsen symptoms for some individuals. Therefore, it is essential to understand how specific foods affect your body and make dietary adjustments to alleviate acid reflux.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on acid reflux | Cheese is a dairy product and dairy may trigger acid reflux or worsen symptoms. |
| Alternatives | Low-fat dairy or plant-based milk alternatives without added acids. |
| Other triggers | Fried and fatty dishes, spicy meals, acidic options, carbonated beverages, chocolate, caffeine, processed meats, large meals, late-night eating. |
| Relief | Smaller, more frequent meals, low-acid fruits, herbal teas, water, lean proteins such as chicken or fish, cooked vegetables, whole grains. |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy products can trigger acid reflux
Dairy products are known to relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, which acts as a one-way door to let food into the stomach and close tightly to keep it there. When this muscle relaxes too much, it does not close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the throat. Dairy products are known to trigger this relaxation of the LES, which can cause acid reflux.
High-fat foods are known to relax the LES and slow down stomach emptying, which can increase the risk of acid reflux. Dairy products are often high in fat, and therefore can be a trigger for acid reflux. Fatty foods can also irritate the lining of the oesophagus, which can cause health problems.
Dairy products can be replaced with low-fat or non-dairy alternatives, such as plant-based milk alternatives, which can help to avoid triggering reflux while still providing calcium and protein. It is important to note that long-term use of antacids to treat acid reflux may result in unwanted health effects, so dietary changes are often recommended to help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
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High-fat foods may worsen acid reflux
High-fat foods are known to worsen acid reflux. Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus. This happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes and allows stomach acid to rise. High-fat foods can relax the LES and delay stomach emptying, increasing the risk of reflux symptoms.
Fatty foods can cause the LES to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the oesophagus. They can also slow down the emptying of the stomach, keeping food in the stomach for longer, which can increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Examples of high-fat foods to avoid include high-fat cuts of red meat and fast food, which is often both fatty and fried. Fried foods are another common trigger of acid reflux.
Dairy products, such as cheese, can also trigger acid reflux or worsen symptoms. While dairy is a reliable source of alkaline foods, which can help neutralise stomach acid, it may aggravate the stomach for some people. It is recommended to reduce or eliminate dairy products or switch to low-fat or non-fat dairy options.
To prevent acid reflux, it is important to avoid high-fat, fried, and fatty foods. Instead, opt for low-fat or non-dairy alternatives, such as plant-based milk. Lean proteins, such as grilled, baked, or steamed chicken or fish, cooked vegetables, and whole grains are also recommended. Making dietary changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding late-night eating, can also help reduce acid reflux.
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Spicy foods can irritate the oesophagus
To prevent spicy foods from irritating the oesophagus and causing acid reflux, it is important to make dietary changes. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and choosing foods that are easier on the stomach can help reduce reflux. Lean proteins such as chicken or fish, cooked vegetables, and whole grains are great staples. Low-acid fruits, herbal teas, and plenty of water can also support digestion and soothe symptoms.
It is also important to avoid common triggers such as fried and fatty dishes, spicy meals, and acidic options. Reducing sugar, caffeine, and processed meats can also make a difference. Paying attention to meal timing is crucial, such as avoiding late-night eating and lying down after meals, as this can increase the risk of reflux. Staying upright or taking a light walk after meals can help keep acid down. Additionally, it is recommended to stop eating when you feel 75% full to reduce pressure on the oesophageal sphincter and minimise the risk of acid reflux.
For those with esophagitis, an irritation or inflammation of the oesophagus, it is important to adopt a soft food diet to make eating less painful and to prevent food from lingering in the oesophagus. Soft cheeses such as cream cheese, brie, Neufchâtel, and ricotta are suitable, as are soups and broths that soften vegetables. Canned or frozen fruits, avocados, and bananas are also gentle on the oesophagus. It is important to avoid fibrous foods and those with seeds, such as celery and artichokes.
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Acidic foods can increase GERD symptoms
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus. This happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes and allows stomach acid to rise. Acidic foods can irritate the lining of the oesophagus and increase GERD symptoms.
Foods that are naturally high in acid can affect the overall acidity of your stomach and heighten GERD symptoms. Acidic foods and beverages can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, allowing acidic stomach contents to come back up into the oesophagus. Examples of acidic foods and drinks that can trigger reflux include citrus fruits and carbonated beverages such as sodas and energy drinks.
In addition to acidic foods, other dietary factors can also increase GERD symptoms. High-fat foods can relax the oesophageal sphincter and slow down stomach emptying, increasing the risk of reflux. Spicy foods can irritate the oesophagus and cause a burning sensation in the throat or chest (heartburn). Chocolate is also acidic and contains caffeine, another common GERD trigger.
To manage GERD symptoms, it is recommended to avoid common triggers and make dietary changes. This includes choosing low-acid, low-fat, and high-fibre foods that promote healthy digestion and soothe irritation. Lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and whole grains are recommended staples for a GERD-friendly diet. It is also important to eat smaller, more frequent meals, stay upright after eating, and avoid late-night snacks to reduce the risk of reflux.
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Carbonated drinks can cause acid reflux
While cheese is not directly mentioned as a cause of acid reflux, certain foods and drinks can trigger this condition. Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation.
Carbonated drinks, including soft drinks, seltzer water, and beer, are among the beverages that can trigger acid reflux. The carbonation causes the stomach acid to bubble up into the throat. However, it is important to note that research on the direct link between carbonated drinks and acid reflux is inconclusive. While some studies suggest an association, others find no evidence of a direct causal relationship.
To manage acid reflux, it is recommended to make dietary and lifestyle changes. This includes avoiding common trigger foods such as fried and fatty dishes, spicy meals, and acidic options like citrus fruits and juices. Reducing sugar, caffeine, and processed meats can also help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, it is advised to eat smaller, more frequent meals, stop eating when you feel 75% full, and avoid late-night eating or lying down immediately after meals.
For those suffering from acid reflux, it is recommended to opt for low-acid fruits and vegetables, cooked vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat or plant-based milk alternatives. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also beneficial, as it aids digestion and ensures the proper passing of food through the gastrointestinal system.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is a dairy product, and dairy can trigger acid reflux or worsen symptoms. However, some sources suggest that dairy products are a reliable source of alkaline foods, which can help neutralize stomach acid. Therefore, the effects of cheese may vary from person to person.
Fried and fatty dishes, spicy meals, and acidic options such as citrus or fizzy drinks are best avoided. Reducing sugar, caffeine, and processed meats can also help.
Lean proteins such as chicken or fish, cooked vegetables, and whole grains are great staples. Low-acid fruits, herbal teas, and plenty of water can also support digestion and soothe symptoms.
Apart from diet, some general tips to reduce acid reflux include eating smaller portions, eating slowly, and avoiding late-night meals. It is also important to stay upright after meals and avoid lying down immediately after eating.
