Will I Ever Eat the Foods I Love Again?
Managing acid reflux disease means modifying your diet and making some lifestyle
changes. Often favorite foods, particularly ones that are spicy, fried, and acidic,
get the boot. But after a while—especially when you start feeling
better—these treats may be sorely missed.
It is possible, though, to welcome back some formerly troublesome
foods—provided you proceed with caution. If you're thinking about
reintroducing a food that has given you trouble in the past, follow these 4 rules.
- Reintroduce one food at a time. Let's say you've noticed, for
example, that both tomato juice and orange juice aggravate your condition. Choose
just one to reintroduce into your diet. Hold off on the other until you see how you
respond to the first one.
- Try that food in small quantities. A large volume of
food—even if it's bland—can trigger acid reflux. So go slow. If you are
able to eat a small amount of a certain food without developing heartburn symptoms,
then gradually increase the amount.
- Keep track of when you eat. Something that might trigger your
body's acid reflux response when you eat it first thing in the morning may have no
noticeable effect when eaten later in the day. Start with a small amount of a single
food. Try eating it at various times of the day. Keep a record of your body's response
each time. If you notice any discomfort, stop eating the food that's caused it.
- Record your results. Keep careful track of the food you eat, the
amount, and when you eat it. Then discuss your results with your doctor and see what
conclusions you come to together. Take heart. Your favorite foods may not have to be
just a distant memory. Hopefully, in time, you'll be able to enjoy them again. And
stay comfortable in the process.
Scan your grocery lists or favorite recipes for hidden heartburn triggers.
Simply type or cut and paste your list or recipe into our Heartburn Trigger Checker.
Back