Acid reflux is a serious health problem that takes place when stomach contents containing pepsin abnormally reflux back to the esophagus, which lead to irritation. If it is cured, it will take a very long time before the esophagus completely heals. Worse, it will develop into ulcer and some form of cancer.

There are many ways to avoid acid reflux. Food, for example, should be given so much attention because the food and drinks you consume affect how often you get acid reflux attacks. In fact, it doesn't matter how you treat your condition, since doctors advise patients to eat the right kinds of food and drinks to avoid getting their acid reflux from being worse. While it is true that treatments like medications can cure it, it does not erase the fact that you will not benefit from those medicines if you keep eating anything you want without discretion, which only nullifies the effects of the medicines you take. So, it is best to combine practical advice with medicines doctors prescribed to you.

Going back to the diet, what are the foods acid reflux patients are advised to exclude from their diet?

Basically, these are the ones which cause the lower esophageal sphincter to open. It normally opens when you swallow, leading to the stomach for digestion. But if it weakens the acidic liquid from the stomach will reach the esophagus to burn its lining. A painful sensation will be felt in the chest. Therefore you should stay away from food and drinks that trigger another attack.

Specifically, avoid the following: food high in fat (anything fried, high-fat meat, desserts, dairy products, salad dressings, mayo, junk food, coffee, citrus, spices like onions, spearmint, peppermint, alcohol, chocolate and tomato-based food.

On the other hand, there are food which you can eat without worries. Examples of these are: food high in complex carbohydrates like bread, cereals and graham crackers, apples, vegetables and low-fat food (dairy products, meat, salad dressings and desserts) among others.

Aside from eating certain food, you should keep a food journal that tracks down which of the food had probably caused your acid reflux in case you had one for the day, and of course, all the things you had consumed for the day.

Like I said, it is better if you combine your acid reflux treatment with practical tips. Aside from food, there are other causes which trigger an acid relfux episode, like wearing tight clothes. Obesity can also weaken the LES because of the pressure on the stomach, which pushes the food upwards. Another occasion which gives the same feeling is being full from eating a large meal. Break down your meals into small ones. Lastly, avoid smoking. Smokers who have acid reflux are said to suffer from worse symptoms unlike those who don't smoke. Nicotine weakens the LES, so quit the habit.

Many acid reflux patients report having severe acid reflux episodes after being too stressed. While it is not clear if it is directly linked with acid reflux, what we know is that many people drink, smoke and eat lots of food to forget their problems. Therefore, resort to some harmless stress reduction methods to avoid the bad feeling.

If you want to know more about the right diet for acid reflux, check the web for heartburn-free recipes. And if you want a natural treatment for acid reflux, my review on a book that had taught thousands of acid reflux patients get rid of their condition permanently will help you.