What kind of diet is good for acid reflux?

As with all ailments connected with the digestive system, one of the simplest ways of treating Acid Reflux is through lifestyle changes. As we have learnt earlier, when we are in the upright position then the pull of gravity keeps the acid from flowing backwards. This advantage is no longer with us when we are sleeping. That is why Acid Reflux patients feel very uncomfortable during night times. When we are lying down the acid can flow back into the esophagus and even remain there for a long time. One way to counter that is to lie in an elevated bed that raises the upper half of your body. If the food pipe is elevated higher than the stomach then the chances of the acid flowing back can be minimized. But care should be taken to see that the entire upper half of the body and not just the head should be elevated. Another way to minimize the discomfort is to lie on your left side rather than the right. 

Since acid reflux is mostly caused due to eating, a change in eating habits can be of great help to the patients. Eating smaller meals and not going to bed immediately after eating can greatly cut down the incidence of Acid Reflux. You should also avoid food that reduces the pressure on the LES valve. These include foods such as chocolate, alcohol, peppermint and drinks that contain caffeine. Fatty and Spicy food as well as smoking should also be reduced drastically. Some patients complain of acid reflux after consuming citrus juices, tomato juice and even soda or other carbonated drinks. 

Some doctors recommend chewing gum after meals to cut down on acid reflux. The thinking is that chewing gum increases the production of saliva, which leads of frequent swallowing that keeps pushing the food and acid back into the stomach.