Mainstream “Reflux Diet” INCREASES Symptoms!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 8, 2021
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.
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.
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