Acid Reflux is one of the medical terms for heartburn, and it doesn’t matter what you call it, it is one of the most uncomfortable feelings to experience. Heartburn usually occurs after a great meal and reminds you that maybe you shouldn’t have eaten that much of your grandmother’s old world lasagna. Sometimes the discomfort is so bad, it seems as if no good meal is worth the pain.
So how do you avoid acid reflux and terrible bouts of heartburn?
Here are some foods that do a great job of fighting off one of your toughest opponents:
- Oatmeal– Yes, your mother and Dr. Oz were correct. Oatmeal is just about the perfect food. Of course we don’t desire any one food every day, but a good oatmeal breakfast will help you avoid heartburn. Even the instant kind that may already be loaded with raisins, still works. The oats will absorb any acid in the added raisins. So, you’re still good.
- Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera is a wonder plant. It grows easily and helps to soothe minor cuts and burns. You can even grow aloe vera inside, and once matured, break off one of the leaves and use the gel inside. In its raw form you can ingest aloe and put it into your recipes and it will successfully ward off a bout of acid reflux.
- Fresh Green Salad – If your salad consists of meats and cheeses, then you will need to do a little recipe change. Salads loaded with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette, can be a delicious side dish for a lean protein such as chicken breast.
- Melons – Usually you would seek to avoid fruit because so many fruits are acidic, but all melons can be good and healthy for heartburn sufferers. Bananas are the same way. If you eat melons and bananas and find yourself with the discomfort of heartburn, you are a part of a small group that these two particular groups of fruit affect, and unfortunately, you will need to give them up, especially when they are fresh.
- Fennel – This licorice tasting vegetable often used in dishes in Northern Italy can be found in any good supermarket these days. If you are craving a crunchy veggie for your salads or as a side dish or coleslaw, fennel is your best choice. Again, as with the fruit, since fennel does contain a small amount of acid, if you eat it and find yourself in heartburn trouble, you may need to cross it off your list.
- Poultry – Lean chicken and turkey should be the number one proteins on your list if you want to avoid acid reflux issues. Make sure that you are eating what is called, “the white meat”, which is the leanest part of both the chicken and turkey. Poultry is also one of the most versatile animal proteins you can keep on your shopping list.
- Fish and Seafood – If you had not guessed already, fish and seafood are great for a healthy acid reflux-free diet. You can compliment your meal with a light salad, quinoa, or wild rice. Not only is the combo great for keeping away the acid blues, but it’s also great for a simple healthy weight-loss eating plan.
- Fresh Green Vegetables – Green veggies are quite versatile. Of course they are known as side dish champions, but a plate of roasted veggies lightly salted, drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil is a plate fit for the finest of diners. Look on the internet for vegetable casseroles and remember to stick with the color green; broccoli, green beans, kale, and we can make a color exception when it comes to cauliflower. It is very good for your health.
In a way, many of us know instinctively what foods will give us heartburn. The best thing to do is to listen to your body and avoid the heavy sauces, the greasy fries, and the store-bought pizzas, and make them at home in a much simpler, healthier way.