Can Acid Reflux Cause You Not to Breathe

Foods to Avoid If You Have Acid Reflux or GERD

Medically Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller, MBChB

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Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or indigestion, describes the feeling of digestive acid from the stomach flowing back up into the esophagus or throat. This painful condition can cause the sensation of burning in the chest or throat, difficulty swallowing, coughing and chest pain. Recurring episodes of reflux may lead to difficulty sleeping, a sore throat (laryngitis), breathing symptoms that feel like asthma or a long-lasting cough. When diagnosed by a physician, acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Because GERD involves digestive fluid, the foods you eat can play a role in whether you experience acid reflux — and how often. If you have GERD, eating the right foods and avoiding those that are more likely to trigger acid reflux may help you control your symptoms.

Acid Reflux Risk Factors and Effects

GERD is associated with several risk factors, including obesity and certain connective tissue disorders. Pregnancy can also increase your likelihood of developing GERD. Some people find that smoking, taking certain medications, eating fried foods or drinking certain beverages can aggravate their symptoms of acid reflux.

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It's important that you seek medical attention if you're experiencing recurrent episodes of acid reflux. Over time, the presence of stomach acid in your esophagus can cause inflammation, and this can lead to more severe problems such as ulcers (open sores), narrowing of the esophageal passage due to scar tissue formation and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Most commonly, people who have acid reflux experience symptoms daily or weekly. However, it's possible to manage the uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux by making lifestyle and diet changes. More severe cases may require medications for effective management. The foods and beverages that you choose may have a large impact on the severity and occurrence of your acid reflux symptoms. Avoiding known trigger foods and drinks may lessen the severity or frequency of the GERD symptoms you experience.

Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid

There are some obvious triggers of acid reflux, such as spicy, greasy and fatty foods. While these are important to avoid, there are some others that may not be as easy to identify as being triggers. The following foods may be more likely to cause acid reflux:

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High-fat foods

Pizza

Fast food

Fried food

French fries

Potato chips

Chocolate

Bacon, sausage and other fatty meats

Doughnuts and pastries

Processed snacks

High-acid foods

Tomatoes or tomato sauces

Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit)

Ketchup

Spicy Foods

Peppers

Chili powder

Hot sauce

Beverages

Caffeinated coffee

Caffeinated tea

Alcohol

Carbonated or fizzy beverages

Healthy Foods to Enjoy

Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious foods that are safe for people with acid reflux to eat. Because acidic fruits, veggies, spicy foods and high-fat dishes are the main triggers for acid reflux, it's important to look for alternatives to these foods, such as the following:

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Foods High in Fiber

Whole grain oatmeal

Whole grain brown rice

Potatoes

Carrots

Broccoli

Beets

Asparagus

Lean Meats

Skinless chicken breast

Extra-lean ground turkey

Extra-lean ground beef

Fish

Non-Acidic Fruits

Apples

Bananas

Strawberries

Melons

High-water-content Foods (Can Dilute Stomach Acid)

Watermelon

Cucumbers

Lettuce

Celery

These choices may help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux and also improve your overall health by increasing your metabolism, strengthening your immune system and giving your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best.

Your diet does not have to be "all or nothing." If you're craving a trigger food, try to find a tasty substitute for it. For example, look for low-fat options of your favorite foods. You might try roasting your own potatoes with salt and pepper rather than choosing potato chips or french fries.

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