Acid reflux diet: what to eat for acid reflux
Find out how you can bring acid reflux symptoms under control with the right diet.
Acid reflux diet: what to eat for acid reflux
Find out how you can bring acid reflux symptoms under control with the right diet.
Acid reflux is a condition experienced by about 20% of Australians at least once a week.
It occurs when the oesophageal sphincter muscle—a circular muscle between the oesophagus and the stomach—doesn’t function properly, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the oesophagus.
This causes a burning sensation, leading to discomfort while engaging in day-to-day activities.
The exact causes that trigger acid reflux are unknown and adopting a healthier lifestyle and diet may help manage this common gastrointestinal under control.
Food to include in an acid reflux diet
High-fibre food
Food that’s rich in fibre may help make you feel full, this can prevent you from overeating and prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus.
Some high-fibre food items you can include in your acid reflux diet include:
- Root vegetables, like sweet potatoes
- Green vegetables, like broccoli
- Oatmeal
Alkaline food
Food items with high alkalinity levels are a good addition to a diet for acid reflux, as they are less acidic and may help neutralise stomach acids.
Here are some high alkaline food items you can add to your diet:
- Fennel
- Bananas
- Almonds
- Fish
Before trying out any of these types of food, consult with a gastrointestinal doctor.
Lifestyle changes to help control acid reflux
Aside from following an acid reflux diet, you can manage acid reflux symptoms by adopting a few lifestyle changes:
Eat small meals
Having small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals may help prevent the stomach from becoming too full, reducing the probability of stomach content flowing back into the oesophagus.
Stay upright after a meal
Avoid laying down on your back after having a meal, as this may cause stomach contents to flow into the oesophagus more easily. Also, have dinner at least three hours before going to bed.
Take medication
Medications like antacids and H2-receptor blockers can help provide relief from acid reflux. That said, consult your gastrointestinal specialist before taking any over-the-counter medications.
Eat small meals
Having small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals may help prevent the stomach from becoming too full, reducing the probability of stomach content flowing back into the oesophagus.
Stay upright after a meal
Avoid laying down on your back after having a meal, as this may cause stomach contents to flow into the oesophagus more easily. Also, have dinner at least three hours before going to bed.
Take medication
Medications like antacids and H2-receptor blockers can help provide relief from acid reflux. That said, consult your gastrointestinal specialist before taking any over-the-counter medications.
Visit the Sydney Gut Clinic
At the Sydney Gut Clinic, we have a team of specialists who are experienced in treating various gastrointestinal conditions.
If you’ve been experiencing acid reflux and heartburn, speak with our team for treatment and support, and for recommendations for a diet for acid reflux.
You can find the Sydney Gut Clinic at the Alexandria Specialist Day Hospital.
Our specialists
Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah
Dr. Suhirdan leads the team at Sydney Gut Clinic, bringing a combination of experience, excellence, and dedication. He is a highly trained Interventional Gastroenterologist,
Dr Andrew Kim
Dr Andrew Kim is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, he undertook his physician and advanced gastroenterology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and completed a fellowship in (IBD) at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.
Dr Rohan Gett
Having graduated with honours from the University of New South Wales, he also lays claim to an internship and residency at the reputed Concord Hospital. Trained, thereafter, in general surgery at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Dr Gett ...
Dr Fei Wen Chen
Dr Chen is a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist with special interest in managing patients with chronic liver disease of various aetiology, as well as general gastroenterology and endoscopy.
Sviatlana Starr
Sviatlana Starr is an expert in gut-directed hypnotherapy. She has been professionally helping people with different functional gut disorders through gut-directed hypnotherapy sessions since 2015.
Dr Allison Wong
Allison’s special interests include perioperative medicine, simulation and teaching, and regional anaesthesia.
Dr Arjuna ‘Arj’ Nagendra
Dr Nagendra is currently a consultant at Prince of Wales Hospital where he is involved with teaching anaesthetic trainees, particularly in his areas of clinical interest - airway surgery and neurovascular procedures.
Dr Katherine Lee
Dr Katherine Lee clinical interests include anaesthesia for neurosurgery, orthopaedic and trauma, endoscopy, plastic and reconstructive, bariatric and obstetric and gynaecological surgery.
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele interests include Regional Anaesthesia, Vascular Surgery and Trauma.
Antoinette Le Busque
As the Nurse Practitioner Sydney Gut Clinic, Antoinette works collaboratively as part of the interdisciplinary team.
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with special interest and expertise in gastrointestinal motility disorders, advanced endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound.
Dr Nicholas Kortt
Dr Nicholas Kortt is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with extensive experience in general gastroenterology, hepatology, and advanced endoscopy.
Dr Beatrice Brennan
Dr Beatrice Brennan is a female gastroenterologist and hepatologist who divides her time between working as a consultant gastroenterologist and in public health.
Jodie Hicks
Jodie is a consultant dietitian with specialised expertise in gut health, gastrointestinal conditions, and bariatric and metabolic surgery.
Dr Mark Ghali
Dr Mark Ghali is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist providing comprehensive care for all general gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
FAQs
Is acid reflux a chronic condition?
Acid reflux is indeed a chronic condition, and in most cases, it may be life-long.
Is acid reflux life-threatening?
By itself, acid reflux is not a life-threatening condition. However, it may cause harmful health complications such as Barrett’s oesophagus.
What food items should not be included in a diet for acid reflux?
- High-fat food
- Food with high citrus content
- Spicy food
Consult our gastrointestinal specialists for treatment and support for acid reflux.
Sydney Gut Clinic services are only available to patients in Australia.