12 Acid Reflux Taboos for a Healthier Life
Food is generally a source of nutrition. However, many items can become acid reflux triggers. This condition, which we know as GERD or acid reflux, occurs when reflux returns to the esophagus.
Not only heartburn and discomfort, without wise management, this condition can develop into a more serious issue. Let's explore various things that are forbidden and that you should avoid as an acid reflux sufferer.
1. Coffee and Other Sources of Caffeine

Caffeine can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax. This is a yellow light for GERD sufferers.
Besides being ineffective at preventing reflux from rising, caffeine itself is often associated with an increase in stomach acidity – more research is needed regarding claims about caffeine and GERD.[2] However, there is no harm in reducing your consumption of this substance.
2. Fried Foods

Eating fried foods seems to have become a habit for some people. Although delicious, fried foods are actually very bad for acid reflux.
Their oil and fat content slows down the stomach emptying process. The result? Pressure in the stomach increases, and reflux rises to the esophagus.[1]
3. High-Fat Foods

In essence, fat is something that acid reflux sufferers should avoid. In addition to being "hot," fat also makes stomach emptying much slower because it is quite heavy.
Some foods you should not eat if you have GERD are all high-fat dairy products and processed meats. These foods will only trigger flare-ups.[1]
4. Citrus Fruits

Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are some examples of foods rich in vitamin C. However, hidden behind their rich vitamin content is a danger for acid reflux sufferers.[1] The acidic nature of these fruits triggers acid to rise and causes an uncomfortable sensation in the solar plexus.
5. Chocolate

Chocolate basically contains some caffeine and theobromine which are not good for acid reflux.[3] Especially if you consume chocolate mixed with milk, the pressure in the stomach will increase. Therefore, if your acid reflux condition is quite chronic, avoid all forms of chocolate.
6. Tomatoes

Did you know that tomatoes trigger reflux to rise to the esophagus? This fruit contains citric acid and malic acid, which increase stomach acidity.[4] Therefore, doctors will advise avoiding all tomato-based products as a way to heal acid reflux quickly.
7. Fast Food

The reason people consume fast food is because it is always available. However, this easily obtainable food is actually considered off-limits for acid reflux sufferers.[1] Triggering excess acid reflux, this fast food is high in oil and fat.
8. Mint

Although mint – including spearmint and peppermint – relaxes the body and mind, it turns out this calming property is not good for the LES.[5] Therefore, avoid any product containing mint so that your acid reflux does not flare up.
9. Eating Infrequently and Having Large Portions

When the stomach is completely full, it experiences increased pressure. If this happens continuously, reflux will easily rise, resulting in discomfort in the solar plexus.
To avoid this, make sure to eat smaller, more frequent portions so that the pressure in the stomach is reduced.
When deciding what to eat, you can focus on food that is easily digested and low in fat. Some options include skinless chicken, fish, green vegetables, and whole grains.
10. Avoiding Alcohol

If you have acid reflux, you should not drink alcohol. This substance naturally increases the production of acid in the stomach.[1] If consumed continuously, the LES will also weaken. In the end, this lower esophageal valve becomes ineffective at blocking reflux that rises into the esophagus.
11. Not Limiting Spicy Food

Spicy and oily food fall into the category of potential acid reflux triggers. Both types of food not only trigger an increase in acid production in the stomach but also contribute to the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).[1]
Spicy food generally contains capsaicin, which irritates the esophagus and stomach lining, thus causing discomfort.
12. Ignoring Dinner Timing

Gravity does not necessarily keep reflux in the lower position, especially if your body position is not supportive. Lying down or going to sleep immediately after eating can force digestion to work harder, so the risk of acid rising to the esophagus is higher.
If you ignore this, heartburn will occur and affect the quality of your sleep. This also applies to the habit of snacking at night. If you must snack, make sure to only choose light and low-acid food.
Besides reducing heartburn symptoms, this step also supports the healing and recovery process of digestion during evening rest.
In addition to avoiding the above, you need to integrate this with physical activity in your daily life. Applying stress management methods – such as meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises – is also good for avoiding flare-ups.
Let's follow the acid reflux restrictions for more comfortable days without heartburn.