Can't Be Careless, These 5 Types Of Food Should Be Avoided By People With Stomach Acid

Illustration of a patient with stomach acid (Freepik/Benzoix)

JAKARTA – When stomach acid rises, the condition of the body becomes uncomfortable. It can even interfere with daily activities. To reduce the risk of acid reflux, a person needs to pay attention to several factors that cause acid reflux known as gastroesophageal reflux or GERD.

Factors that trigger stomach acid to rise include body position after eating, portion sizes during one meal, and type of food. Associated with the type of food, there are a number of foods that can trigger the rise of stomach acid. This type of food should be avoided for people with stomach acid.

Reported by Healthline, Wednesday, November 10, the types of foods that people with stomach acid need to avoid are quite a debate. However, medically the following foods are necessary that you should avoid.

1. High-fat and fried foods

Fatty foods generally lower pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increase the risk of acid reflux. According to a study from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney, you can help prevent reflux by reducing your total fat intake.

High-fat foods include butter, milk, cheese, ice cream, potato chips, french fries, and full-fat sirloin.

The position after eating also needs to be adjusted so that it does not allow stomach acid to rise to the LES. You can sit up straight and avoid lying down or lean back relaxed after eating.

2. Spicy food

Research has shown that spicy foods can cause stomach upset as well as heartburn symptoms in people with GERD. In 2017, a study in Korea proved that hot stews and other spicy foods cause GERD symptoms. It is wisest not to disturb your stomach health, eat foods that are not too spicy or avoid not eating spicy at all.

3. Certain types of fruits and vegetables

Fruits that contain high acids such as pineapple, oranges, tomatoes, garlic, and onions also need to be minimized for people with stomach acid. If in doubt, you can consult a doctor or a dietitian so that you can make the right diet.

4. Caffeinated Drinks

That doesn't mean you shouldn't, but you need to consider the condition of your stomach before drinking caffeinated drinks so as not to trigger stomach acid to rise. Caffeinated drinks include soda, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages.

5. Chocolate and painkillers

Chocolate often tempts people with stomach acid to eat it. Like caffeinated drinks, people with stomach acid need to consider the condition of their stomach first before enjoying the legit chocolate.

In addition to chocolate, painkillers, aspirin, antibiotics, iron and potassium supplements, and processed foods also need to be avoided by people with stomach acid. Usually, doctors will include ulcer medicine when prescribing pain relievers such as ibuprofen. For that, consult any drugs or foods that are right for you with stomach acid.