![anatomical illustration of a stomach.](https://livingwelldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/lwd-211208-540x184-1.jpg)
Mainstream “Reflux Diet” INCREASES Symptoms!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
That is, unless you’re suffering from acid reflux.
If you’re following the mainstream’s list of foods to avoid, suddenly those holiday favorites are out of reach… and you spend most of the time chewing those chalky, acid-reducing tablets instead.
But before you swear off those “trigger foods” completely, there’s something you should know.
The mainstream’s “reflux diet” could actually INCREASE your symptoms.
Today I’m going to tell you why… and what you should do instead.
If you have acid reflux, chances are you’ve searched the internet to find the foods you should eat to stop it.
While the list changes moderately from site to site, it’s pretty much the same foods:
- “low-acid” fruits,
- bland starches (like oatmeal),
- dairy,
- green vegetables,
- and honey.
Thing is, there are a few problems with this list. First, some of the sites where these lists are posted are also sponsored by acid-blocking drugs like Prilosec, Pepcid, Nexium.
Follow that advice and I can guarantee you will get MORE acid reflux… which is exactly what drug makers want.
That alone should make you wonder about the list, but the other thing to notice is that almost all of those foods are carbohydrates.
Why are carbohydrates such an issue? That’s because they ferment in your digestive tract and produce gas.
And gas can sometimes cause acid to move up from your stomach into your esophagus, resulting in that painful burning.
So, what can you do instead?
First, start with some foods that actually HELP instead of cause harm.
- Herbs. Peppermint, ginger, and chamomile can all help to calm gas. I recommend taking them as a tea. Peppermint is known to relax the upper sphincter of the stomach which can relieve pain, but can also cause gas to escape. Thankfully, that doesn’t happen in everyone, so experiment.
- Don’t skip the salt. Salt helps keep bad bacteria in check and helps produce strong stomach acid, which can actually reduce heartburn!
Now, what to avoid.
- Avoid soda. Sugary drinks are infamous for gas production (at both ends). Carbonation just makes the problem even worse.
- Stay away from sugar. Foods that contain sugar work exactly like soda and cause gas. This includes foods that act like sugar such as breads, grains, and starchy vegetables.
And finally, for relief in the meantime, try one of these three tips.
- Activated charcoal. Try taking this an hour before a meal.
- Apple cider vinegar. While not everyone can do this, try taking a tablespoon of vinegar diluted in a little water a few times a day. This can help if your reflux comes from too little acid in the stomach.
- Supplement with a probiotic. A healthy gut microbiome (and diverse gut bacteria) can help reduce heartburn. Taking a probiotic will help restore your microbiome.
![Dr. Scott Olson, ND](https://livingwelldaily.com/wp-content/themes/health-child/images/author-images/Dr.ScottOlson,ND.jpg)
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Don’t Ignore This Weight Loss Drug WARNING
By now, you’ve heard the buzz about GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. They’re being hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity, with everyone from celebrities to everyday folks singing their praises. But what if I told you these miracle medications might be hiding a dark secret? Or that ignoring this potential side...
Tiny Allies Could Revolutionize Weight Loss
We usually think of bacteria as the bad guys, right? Well, plot twist! Some of those bugs are actually GOOD for us. I’m talking about the friendly bacteria probiotics, of course. They hang out in your gut and help keep things running smoothly down there. Now, in the ongoing battle against obesity, scientists are exploring...
Bring Home the Magic of Outdoor Sleeping (No Backpack Required!)
I’m an avid backpacker and love sleeping outdoors. In fact, I dream of spending more nights sleeping under the stars than under a roof. There are many benefits to breathing outdoor air. (More on those in a moment.) But you don’t have to strap on a backpack to get the benefits of outdoor sleeping… A...
Fruit Bowl Secret to a Healthier Heart
We often think that improving our health requires drastic changes or complicated regimens. But that’s simply NOT the case. In fact, new research reveals eating more of a simple, tasty fruit could significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Keep reading to discover the delicious fruit-bowl secret to a healthier heart… New research suggests that...
Mailbag: The Sip, Swish, Smile Fix for Dry Mouth
“Had dry mouth for a while. Which are the best mouth rinses that don’t taste bad?” – Dry As a Desert Dear Dry, Dry mouth isn’t just annoying. It can also lead to dental problems if left unchecked. I’ll share the name of an effective mouth rinse in just a moment. But before relying on...
Olive Extract Boosts Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
On this Labor Day, we’d like to take a moment to honor the hard work and dedication of all workers who contribute to our nation’s strength and prosperity. Forget fad diets and grueling workouts. New research suggests a humble compound found in olives might be the weight loss and blood sugar breakthrough we’ve all been...
Herbal Hero CRUSHES Bad Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
We all know garlic is supposed to keep vampires at bay. But what if I told you this 5,000-year-old pungent bulb could also ward off some real-life health villains? A groundbreaking new study suggests that garlic can be a secret weapon in the fight against high blood sugar and cholesterol. How does this humble herb...
What Your Poop Schedule Says About Your Health
We need to talk about something we ALL do. I’ll admit, it isn’t dinner table conversation, but it IS important. While discussing your bathroom habits might make you blush, new research suggests they could be a crystal ball for your long-term health. A groundbreaking study from the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) uncovered a vital...
Are Your Senses Sending You an SOS?
As you journey into and through your golden years, you’re bound to notice some changes in how you experience the world. You may have found yourself turning up the volume on the TV more often or holding the newspaper at arm’s length to read it. Well, you’re not alone… but there’s more to these changes...
"Rise and Shine" Energy Hack Transforms Your ENTIRE Day
Imagine an all-natural, entirely free hack that improves sleep quality and has you kickstarting your day with a burst of energy that lasts until bedtime. I know it sounds too good to be true. Heck, if I didn’t know better, I’d be looking for the catch, too. But I assure you, it’s legit. This simple...