Foods to stop acid reflux

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents move upwards into the oesophagus. A heavy meal can increase pressure in the stomach, while some foods may relax the muscle that normally helps keep stomach contents down. Citrus, tomatoes, fizzy drinks and coffee can irritate symptoms for some people. Reflux may also be linked with a hiatus hernia or excess weight; this does not mean a particular food caused the underlying problem.

Keep a simple food and symptom diary for several days. Test one suspected trigger at a time rather than removing many foods together. Choose smaller meals, eat slowly and remain upright after eating. Leave a gap before lying down, especially after an evening meal. Replace trigger drinks with water and choose less fatty cooking methods. If symptoms disturb sleep, raise the upper body with appropriate support and discuss persistent symptoms with a clinician. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice.

Arrange medical advice if reflux is frequent, worsening, affecting sleep, or accompanied by trouble swallowing, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss or ongoing abdominal pain. Seek urgent help for chest tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. A cough that persists may need assessment rather than being attributed to reflux alone.

Ask whether your pattern fits acid reflux, whether a medicine could be contributing, and which symptom changes would require prompt review. Bring your food diary and a list of medicines, supplements and drinks.