5 Unexpected Foods That May Cause Acid Reflux
If you occasionally “feel the burn” after enjoying a decadent or spicy meal, you’ve no doubt become familiar with the traditional acid reflux triggers, like caffeine, citrus fruits, and tomatoes, and try to avoid them whenever possible. The tricky thing about acid reflux, however, is that not all triggers are obvious. Certain foods that seem innocuous or possibly even helpful may actually be triggering those annoying heartburn symptoms.
If you’re trying to sidestep that burning sensation after meals, take a look at this list of surprising foods that cause acid reflux, and be sure to keep a bottle of TUMS Chewy Bites Cooling Sensation on hand for fast heartburn and acid indigestion relief in a cooling, delicious chew!
Surprising Foods That May Cause Acid Reflux
1. Milk
Do you drench your cereal in whole milk or eat full-fat cheese on the regular? While it may not seem like a typical acid reflux trigger, many dairy products can be high in fat, and high-fat foods and beverages can bring about acid reflux symptoms. One reason: fatty foods stay in your stomach longer, which can increase your risk of reflux2.
2. Chocolate
It’s sad but true: chocolate can increase the acid exposure to the lower end of the esophagus and induce reflux3. Milk chocolate can also be high in fat4, another reason the sweet is problematic for acid reflux sufferers.
3. Sparkling Water
You may have heard that soda is usually off limits to people with acid reflux, but you might be surprised to learn that all carbonated beverages may trigger acid reflux5 — even the kind with zero sugar or additives. This is because the carbonation can cause bloating, which can in turn put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux.
4. Avocados
Listen up, avocado toast fans. While avocados are a very good-for-you food, thanks to its healthy fats6, if your diet is already packed with fat, eating high-fat avocados could bring about acid reflux (healthy nut butters may be a culprit here, too). Since guac is always extra, save a little money the next time you’re out and avoid it!
5. Garlic and Onion
Sure, they add great flavor to most meals, but unfortunately, garlic and onions can trigger acid reflux. If you find yourself dealing with heartburn even when you cook at home, try avoiding them in your dishes for a few weeks and see if your symptoms subside!5