Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid: Top 15 Trigger Foods

If you suffer from acid reflux or indigestion, there are certain acid reflux foods to avoid. Hot, acidic foods can cause heartburn. Additional meals can trigger heartburn in certain people. If you want to avoid pain and antacids, avoid the following types of foods:

Top 15 Acid Reflux Trigger Foods

Some of the trigger foods that cause acid reflux are:

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #1: Alcohol

Alcohol use may be linked to acid reflux for a few different reasons. To begin, drinking alcohol can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, which in turn makes it easier for stomach acid to escape. Additionally, drinking alcohol might cause an increase in the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach. Last but not least, drinking alcohol can make the lining of the esophagus more sensitive, which might result in heartburn.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #2: Coffee

Coffee may be the culprit behind acid reflux for a few different reasons. Because it is a diuretic, coffee has the potential to make one feel dehydrated. A rise in stomach acid is one of the potential side effects of dehydration. Also, because coffee is a stimulant, it can cause the stomach to make more acid than usual.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #3: Chocolate

Chocolate can cause acid reflux in a number different ways, depending on the individual. First, chocolate contains a lot of fat, and the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that separates the esophagus and the stomach, can become more relaxed when it is exposed to fat. This can make it easier for stomach acid to move backwards into the esophagus, which can cause heartburn. Second, chocolate is full of caffeine, which is known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Caffeine can also be found in coffee. Last but not least, chocolate is a food that might be a trigger for some individuals, which means that it can produce acid reflux even if it does not include any fat or caffeine.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #4: Red Meat

Red meats are notoriously hard for the human digestive system to break down because they have so much fat in them. When we eat red meat, our bodies produce a lot of stress hormones, which might cause acid reflux if we eat too much of it. When we consume red meat, our bodies produce a wide variety of substances, which in turn leads to an increase in the amount of acid that is produced. Since red meat is not a very healthy food, eating too much of it can make your risk of getting a number of different health problems higher. A healthy diet is important for avoiding many health problems, like acid reflux and heartburn, and should be a top priority for anyone who cares about their health.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #5: Fried Food

Fried food is typically quite fatty, which can lead to acid reflux in some people. Consuming food that is high in fat can stimulate your stomach to produce more acid than it would normally. This can cause acid reflux in your stomach.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #6: Spicy Food

There are a few theories as to why spicy foods may trigger acid reflux. Spicy foods can irritate the lining of the esophagus, which in turn can lead to inflammation and swelling of the esophagus. This can make it more difficult for the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to seal properly, which in turn makes it easier for stomach acids to flow back up into the esophagus. There is also a chance that capsaicin, the ingredient in chili peppers that gives them their spicy taste, may cause the stomach to make more acid.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #7: Citrus Fruit

Because citrus fruits are so highly acidic, eating them on an empty stomach or in large quantities might result in acid reflux. If you have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, eating citrus fruits can make your symptoms worse. Citrus fruits can also cause heartburn (GERD).

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #8: Dairy Products

It is thought that dairy products may contribute to acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. When the LES relaxes, stomach acid can more easily travel up into the esophagus, leading to irritation and heartburn.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #9: Fizzy Drinks

The carbonation in the drink can cause the stomach to swell and release extra gas, drinking carbonated beverages has been linked to the development of acid reflux. This can cause the lower esophageal sphincter, also known as the LES, which is the muscle that divides the stomach from the esophagus, to become compressed. This pressure can cause heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms by forcing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to open and let stomach acid flow back into the esophagus.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #10: Tomatoes

Tomatoes are acidic by nature. Therefore, the acid in the tomatoes can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #11: Onions

Onions have a reputation for being stomach-turning foods. Onions are suspected of being a trigger to acid reflux because they irritate the lining of the esophagus and induce an increase in the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #12: Vinegar

Vinegar can cause acid reflux because it is an acidic material. Vinegar can make your stomach make more acid than it would normally. This can result in acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #13: Processed Meats

There are many symptoms that can be brought on by eating processed meats, including acid reflux, nausea, indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Because processed meats are very toxic to the body, they make our bodies make a lot of stress hormones.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #14: Snacks Before Bedtime

Consuming food and drink before bedtime has been linked to an increased risk of acid reflux due to the pressure that this can put on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscle that contracts and relaxes to permit food and liquids to enter the stomach. Food and liquids are unable to pass from the stomach into the esophagus when the LES is closed. When the LES is relaxed, solids and liquids are able to pass into the esophagus. Food and liquids can cause heartburn when the LES is open. This allows food and liquids to travel back up into the esophagus.

Acid Reflux Trigger Food #15: Fatty Foods

Fatty foods are so heavy in fat and cholesterol that they are a known contributor to acid reflux. When we eat fatty meals, our systems release different types of hormones, which lead to a wide variety of health issues, including heartburn and indigestion.