acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a condition wherein acid-containing gastric juices come into the esophagus from the gut. The lower part of the esophagus contains a valve at the end, called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES for short, which opens in order to let the food we eat get into the stomach, and then shutting to keep the gastric juices and food in the stomach. When this valve relaxes too frequently or doesn’t shut properly, it can lead to the gut juices getting into the esophagus, which isn’t supplied to deal with the acidic matter. When this happens it leads to the tell tale signs of heartburn, with a sensation of burning in the area.

While the general public may experience heartburn occasionally, if it continues for too much time, regardless of making changes in the diet as well as treatment, it may mean acid reflux disease, also known as GERD. When the esophagus is exposed steadily to the acidic juices of the stomach, it can become irritated and even damaged, leading to erosive esophagitis, or soreness of the esophagus. What are the foodstuffs to Avoid to Control acid reflux?

However,the condition can be improved by finding out about what foods to avoid, and making the required diet changes thereby. Of course you’ll need to ask your doctor before making any extreme dietary changes, and also create a plan that you know you can adhere to over the long-term.

Some of the usual foods that are known for causing heartburn, that will lead to acid reflux illness, are : dairy goods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, milk shakes, and ice cream ; spicy foods ; garlic and onions ; high-carb foods like bread, macaroni, and spaghetti ; fried foods ; chocolate ; alcoholic drinks ; caffeinated beverages ; beef ; mashed potatoes ; spearmint and peppermint ; and tomato-based foods.

The best way to find out which foods do trigger off acid reflux symptoms is to maintain a food diary, jotting down the foods that do cause the symptoms.

Also, it’s best to avoid eating large meals, and instead have lighter meals more number of times in a day. In addition, it is also counseled not to head off to bed just after a meal. A 3rd tip that you can try to alleviate the symptoms is to elevate the head of your bed.