Acid Reflux Bland Diet

When it comes to eating an acid reflux bland diet, keep in mind that everyone can react differently to certain foods.

Although some foods will be less likely to cause problems than others, it is a good idea to keep track of which types of food seem to be triggering your heartburn symptoms and simply avoid them.

For me, foods that are high in fat (such as take out food) cause my heartburn problems.

I have learned to minimize these foods and to especially try to stay away from them late at night; as that is when my acid reflux problems are the worst.

There have been times when I’ve allowed myself to have a “cheat meal” on a weekend night; pizza or a burger with fries or something like that. It is usually on these nights that I am woken up by the dreaded reflux reaching my throat and sending me into a coughing fit that can last a good ½ hour or so.

So what do I do? I listen to my body and try to stay away from late night junk food binges. Sure I’ll still have a treat every once in a while… but it won’t be late at night.

I think if some people with acid reflux diet problems would simply listen to their bodies, and act accordingly… they would likely receive less acid reflux attacks. Again, this can vary between individuals and a more rigorous treatment may need to be discussed with your doctor.

So which foods is more digestion friendly to those with bad heartburn?

Again, everyone has different reactions to certain foods, so bear that in mind when you look at MY anti acid reflux diet below.

Here is what I eat to help control my GERD symptoms. This type of diet also works well with the weight training that I do, as I need my protein intake a little higher than most people might.

To me, this does not taste too much like an acid reflux bland diet... but it did take a couple of weeks of getting used to eating this way when I first started.

Meal 1
- 1/2 cup large flake oatmeal (not the instant stuff)
- small banana
- 6 egg whites prepared on the side
- water


Meal 2
- sliced chicken breast on whole wheat or whole grain bread
- a little fat free mayo
- small apple
- small salad (no tomatoes - too much acid) with low fat dressing
- water


Meal 3
- flank steak, chicken breast or very lean pork
- boiled carrots, cabbage or greens beans
- backed potato or yam
- water

NOW HERE'S MY TRICK!

Because I need a little more protein from meat in my diet, I'll have a 4th meal about 1 to 1-1/2 hours before bedtime.

What I have learned to really help keep my heartburn under control, is to avoid having any more starchy carbohydrates (i.e. bread, potatoes, cereal, etc.) after my 3rd meal above (which is usually at 6pm).

By sticking with eating a piece of chicken breast and maybe some green beans for my last meal, I have found that I do not get acid reflux at night, nor am I woken up from severe heartburn.

If I was to only eat 3 meals a day, I would probably have my last meal (#3 above) about 3 hours before going to bed. This will give me plenty of time to make sure my food is properly digested and the stomach acid does not “backup” my esophagus and into my throat while I’m trying to sleep.

I’m sure some of you probably have more severe GERD problems than I do, and if so, I encourage you to talk with your health care professional about developing an acid reflux bland diet that works specifically for you.

by Joe
source: http://acid-reflux-diet-help.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html