Acid Reflux Diet - Part 2

What is a diet for acid reflux? In part 1 of this article, we discussed the typical advice regarding acid reflux.

Ask what is a diet for acid reflux, and doctors tell you simply to avoid foods that trigger the symptoms.

Ask what foods to avoid with acid reflux, and you get a long list, including citrus, tomatoes, fatty foods, spicy foods, sweets, and even mashed potatoes.

What Is A Diet for Acid Reflux Supposed to Do?

That is our question. What is a diet for acid reflux supposed to do, since acid reflux symptoms are caused by a muscular malfunction? Can a diet that avoids so many foods correct the weakness of a muscle? If not, is surgery the only treatment that will give relief from acid reflux?

Among Many Remedies

Among the many so-called remedies for acid reflux, one seems to have earned a reputation that gives it staying power. It is not a diet for acid reflux. Rather, it is a drink - a cocktail. It has been used successfully for decades and has brought acid reflux relief to many people.

While many doctors believe the stomach is too acidic, and therefore recommend the acid reflux diet discussed previously, those who tout the cocktail believe the stomach lacks a certain kind of acid. The cocktail adds acid to the stomach instead of diluting it.

Not Enough of the Right Acid

The acid reflux cocktail gives the stomach more of the right kind of acid so that it can digest food properly. Food that is being digested properly will not “blow the lid” and allow acid to flow back into the esophagus.

Hydrochloric acid is the stomach’s digestive aid that breaks down food. When the stomach has insufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid, the food begins to putrefy. This rotting food produces organic acids and gases. They, in turn, force open the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - the ring of muscle that should hold shut the opening between stomach and esophagus. Acid reflux results.

A true diet for acid reflux would include something that would increase the acidity of the digestive fluids - something that would improve digestion.

The Cocktail Worth Trying

The acid reflux cocktail is said to do that. Apple cider vinegar, the cocktail’s main ingredient, is rich in malic acid, which does increase the stomach’s acidity. But drinking plain apple cider vinegar for acid reflux is difficult. The cocktail overcomes that problem by diluting the vinegar in water and adding honey.

The author makes no guarantees for this acid reflux cocktail, but it’s certainly worth trying. You can find many places online that tell what proportions of each ingredient should be used.

CAUTION: If you have heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD on a regular basis, please see your doctor. The information here is for educational purposes only. The author is not a licensed medical professional.