GERD Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid

The esophagus provides a tunnel to carry food from your mouth to your stomach. When the lower esophageal sphincter does not remain close, stomach acid can flow back into your esophagus. Common sources of irritation include fatty foods and spicy foods, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Fatty Foods

Limit fatty foods, such as pork sausage or bacon. An option is fat-free turkey. Eat fat-free turkey slices with a baked potato, poached eggs or whole wheat bread. Another tack is avoiding fatty meats at least two times each week. Instead, eat a plain whole wheat muffin or a bowl of rice with vegetables.

Citrus Juices and Coffee

Citrus juice or coffee can irritate your lower esophagus, causing pain. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology suggests avoiding citrus juices and hot coffee. As a daily beverage, drink up to eight glasses of water. It helps cleanse your digestive system.Use fresh fruits such as pears, strawberries and apricots to make fresh juice at home in your blender.

Creamy Soups

Find alternatives to creamy soups made with whole milk. Prepare homemade soups, using water instead of milk. When purchasing store-brand soup, look at the food label and buy cans made with water. If you decide to prepare homemade creamy soup, exchange the whole milk with skim. You can still taste the creamy flavor.

Tomato-Based Foods

Tomatoes are found in different foods, including spaghetti sauce. Your physician may advise you to stop using these food products. You can still eat a plate of pasta; just omit the tomato-based sauce and top with olive oil instead. Additional toppings for pasta include grated Parmesan cheese, low-fat butter or oregano. When eating out or ordering take-out food, ask your food server about exchanging toppings.

Spice

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be triggered by spicy foods such as hot peppers or onions, or by spices such as black pepper. This does not occur in everyone, so you may need to monitor your diet for one or two weeks. If spicy foods or spices cause stomach irritation, avoid them.