Acid Reflux: 10 Foods to Avoid

Acid reflux is a common condition that many people experience. Some experience it every once and awhile, while others may deal with it daily. When stomach acid backs up into your food pipe, you will experience heartburn. If you have acid reflux more than twice a week than you may have GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Your stomach contains a strong acid called hydrochloric acid which is responsible in breaking down your food. While your stomach lining was designed to be protected from this acid, your esophagus is not. There are valves located along your esophagus which are known as esophageal sphincter. These valves control the flow of food into your stomach. If the valve fails, food is thrust back into your esophagus. When this happens, you get heartburn. If you are obese, pregnant, a smoker, or not physically active, you are at risk for acid reflux. Here are 10 foods to avoid for acid reflux:

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1. Soda

Soda and other carbonated drinks can cause heartburn. The drinks may relax the esophageal sphincter and make stomach acid more acidic. There have been many studies done on carbonated beverages. The studies show that people who drink a lot of soda experience nighttime heartburn and have a higher risk of experiencing acid reflux.