Table of contents:
- GERD at a glance
- List of foods to avoid if you have GERD
- Is it true that sugar makes stomach acid rise?
There are several foods that you should avoid if you have GERD, aka gastric reflux disorder which causes a burning chest due to stomach acid rising up your throat. The most common causes of acid reflux are soft drinks and sour fruits, such as oranges and tomatoes. So, is it true that rumors say that foods high in sugar make stomach acid rise too?
GERD at a glance
Gastric acid reflux is the backflow of stomach acid or the rise of stomach acid into the esophagus, as a result of the weakening of the sphincter muscles (the ringing muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach). In most cases, this is normal and occasionally can happen to anyone.
GERD is a chronic digestive disorder characterized by frequent and continuous acid reflux (at least more than twice per week). In other words, GERD is a condition that is more severe stomach acid reflux.
One of the causes of stomach acid reflux is the food and drink you consume.
List of foods to avoid if you have GERD
If you have acid reflux disorder, you should avoid or reduce the following foods and drinks:
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate)
- Carbonated drinks or sodas
- Chocolate bars, either milk chocolate or dark chocolate
- Mint leaves, garlic and onions
- Citrus family (sweet orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit), tomato and tomato products, because they are acidic
- Spicy and fatty foods
- Fried
- Alcohol
- High fat milk
- Meat is high in fat
- Alcohol
Is it true that sugar makes stomach acid rise?
Not. Sugar in its purest form does not cause stomach acid to rise. Even so, some foods that trigger stomach acid can contain sugar, so it is often misunderstood that sugar makes stomach acid rise.
A number of the acid reflux foods mentioned above contain compounds that can loosen the esophageal ring muscles, called sphincters, making it easier for stomach acid to flow back up. For example, caffeine in tea, coffee, or compounds methylxantine and theobromin in chocolate. Meanwhile, soda and citrus fruits that are acidic can trigger an increase in stomach acid production.
In short, the assumption that sugar makes stomach acid rise is wrong. The truth is, trigger foods (which may contain sugar) that can cause stomach acid to rise. Therefore, you must limit or avoid foods such as chocolate, candy, fatty foods, and others.
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