There are some foods, like fried and hot foods, that may make acid reflux symptoms worse. Heartburn can also be caused by some medicines and vitamins.

When the acid in your stomach comes back up into your esophagus, you have acid reflux. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) loosens up, letting stomach acid rise.

If you have acid reflux more than twice a week, your doctor may call it gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Several things that happen when you eat can cause acid reflux, such as

the position of your body after eating
the amount of food you eat during a single meal
the type of foods you eat

You can change all of these things by changing what and how you eat. A simple change in posture (standing up straight after a meal) and smaller amounts may help stop reflux.

It can be harder to figure out which things to stay away from. There is still some disagreement among doctors about which foods really cause acid symptoms.

Even though there isn't a clear answer, a lot of researchers think that to avoid indigestion and other acid reflux symptoms, it's best to stay away from certain foods and drinks.

High fat meals and fried foods

Generally, fatty foods lower pressure on your LES and make it take longer for your stomach to empty. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says this may make you more likely to have reflux problems.

To help prevent reflux, you can try decreasing your total fat intake.

Here are some high fat foods you may want to avoid:

french fries
deep-fried onion rings
potato chips
butter
whole milk
cheese
ice cream
high fat sour cream
high fat creamy salad dressings
creamy sauces and dips
high fat cuts of red meat, such as marbled sirloin or prime rib
Spicy foods

If you have a functional gastrointestinal problem, studies show that eating spicy foods can make your stomach hurt and feel like it's on fire.

Acid reflux can happen when capsaicin, the chemical that makes food taste spicy, irritates parts of the stomach.

As it turns out, a 2017 Korean studyBased on what they looked at, more than half of the people with GERD who ate hot, spicy soups had symptoms.

A study from 2010 showed that people who eat spicy food often have fewer GERD symptoms after these meals. However, there hasn't been much research since then to back up this claim.

If you often have acid reflux, it's usually best to stay away from hot foods.

Fruits and vegetables

Getting enough fruits and veggies is important for your health. But some kinds might make your GERD symptoms worse. The following foods and vegetables often make reflux worse:

oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, pineapple, tomatoes, and foods made with tomatoes
Onions and garlic

If you're not sure, talk to your doctor about your comfort level. If you can, a dietitian may be able to help you set up a pattern of eating that will help you deal with your situation.

Beverages

Some popular drinks may also make GERD symptoms worse in people who have it. Some of these are:

alcohol
coffee and tea
carbonated beverages
citrus and tomato juices

Coffee may make acid symptoms worse, with or without caffeine. But some people with GERD can handle coffee well.

Pay attention to your own signs and only drink things that you can handle well.

Other foods, medications, and supplements

Some other foods, medicines, and vitamins may make your LES work less well, which can make your GERD symptoms worse.

For instance, you might feel these things after consuming:

chocolate
mint, such as peppermint or spearmint
heavily processed foods
antibiotics
aspirin or other pain relievers
bisphosphonates
alpha-blockers
nitrates
calcium channel blockers
tricyclics
theophylline
iron or potassium supplements

If you think that a vitamin or medicine is making your acid reflux or heartburn worse, you might want to stop taking it.

But you should always talk to your doctor before stopping the medicines you're taking.

Lesson Summary

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus due to the loosening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If this happens more than twice a week, it might be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Adjusting eating habits can help manage acid reflux symptoms:

• Change posture after meals and have smaller portions
• Avoid triggering foods and drinks

Fatty and spicy foods can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms, while fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients but can worsen GERD for some individuals. Onions, garlic, and certain beverages like alcohol and coffee may also aggravate symptoms. Additionally, certain foods, medications, and supplements can negatively impact LES function, leading to worsened GERD symptoms. Consult a doctor before making any changes to medications or supplements.