Even Diets for Acid Reflux Fail to Provide Complete Heartburn Cures

Unfortunately it’s true. Nothing cures heartburn and acid reflux. All the prescription medications, all the so-called natural methods, and even life style modification do not cure heartburn. Even diets for acid reflux fall short as a cure. They only keep it under control.

The conditions for heartburn or acid reflux are always present. It’s like the gas logs in my fireplace. There is no evidence of fire until I push the ignite button. I must do something to “trigger” the fire.

Likewise, heartburn and acid reflux require a “trigger” event. As you age the conditions become more prevalent and it takes even less to ignite the fire.

Therefore, to keep heartburn and reflux under control you must avoid pulling the “trigger.” Even prescription medications are inadequate when you abuse your system with excessive “trigger” foods and activities.

Years ago there was a hit song called, “Light My Fire.” There were actually 2 hit versions, one by the Doors and the other by Jose Feliciano. The chorus expresses an invitation, “Come on baby, light my fire. Try to set the night on fire.” Obviously the singer is asking for something to be done to inflame his passion. That spicy burrito is shouting, “Come on baby, light my fire. Try to set the night on fire.”

To get heartburn and acid reflux under control requires making the right choices for both food intake and lifestyle. When we have a good handle on what to avoid then we can pretty much keep ourselves heartburn and reflux free.

It is also important to understand that “triggers” can be different from person to person. Although there are certain foods and activities that are common to all of us you may find some things that are particularly hard on your system. That’s why I recommend keeping a diary of the activities and foods that you eat and making special notes on how your body reacts.

So then, it is important that any diets for acid reflux and heartburn eliminate trigger foods and are further enhanced with key lifestyle changes. Here is a list of common “triggers” that should be avoided to keep your problem under control:

1) Spicy food

2) Acidic food

3) Coffee

4) Chocolate

5) Sodas

6) Alcoholic beverages

7) Processed or packaged foods- This is not to say that all processed or packaged foods are bad but many of them contain additives that are particularly harsh on the system. When you become sensitive to heartburn/reflux “triggers” then you will learn which ones are particularly troublesome for you.

8) Baked goods- Cookies, pies, crackers, chips, and cakes can fuel the fire. Again, this is not always the case, but frequently the case. So be aware and make a mental note or even a list of those things that provoke the problem.

9) Stress- Stress triggers the production of excess acid which causes heartburn and contributes to reflux. Obviously, stress is difficult to control but, if you can, avoid those things that produce stress.

10) Going to bed too soon after eating- Those nighttime snacks and late evening meals are particularly troublesome. You can do yourself a world of good by going to bed at least 2 hours after your last food intake.

Remember that heartburn and acid reflux cannot be cured…just controlled. With discipline and self-control you can stay heartburn free.

Richard Weirich co-hosts the internationally popular Health at Last Radio and has written numerous publications on heartburn, acid reflux, weight loss, health, and wellness. For more articles on diets for acid reflux click here and you can also visit the author's website here.