While it can be difficult to live with a condition such as acid reflux, there are a number of lifestyle changes that help reduce the painful symptoms of such a disorder. Simple dietary changes, can go a long way to improve quality of life.Those suffering from acid reflux know that it can be a very painful condition. It is important to remember that it is possible to minimize some of the negative symptoms of this condition. Certain foods can aggravate acid reflux, increasing the pain and heartburn-like feeling of this disease. A brief summary of dietary suggestions to improve acid reflux symptoms is included below.

A little about what's happening to your body when you experience acid reflux just to offer background information. When you are suffering from acid reflux, the body is allowing acids and enzymes from your stomach that are used to aid in food digestion to escape the stomach and make way into the esophagus causing a burning in the chest and throat. The ring of muscle at the entrance of the stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) normally closes immediately after food passes through to protect the esophagus from stomach acids. If the LES doesn't close or it opens unexpectedly, the acids will likely escape resulting in acid reflux.

Striking a balance between the two groups is ideal for a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. Consumption of large quantities of acidic foods can lead to undue emotional stress, toxic imbalance and changes to naturally occurring immune system functions. Mineral absorption rate is compromised by the abundant intake of acidic foods and can cause a significant decrease in energy and cell repair. Cancer forming cells may increase as well as the likelihood of fatigue, disease and death.

Avoid foods that are obviously high in acid. Fruits such as tomato and lemons and high acid fruit juices including orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and lemonade should be avoided at all cost. Opt instead to drink lots of water and aloe vera juice. These liquids aid in digestion while stabilizing stomach acids. Also be weary of beer, coffee and soda, these drinks have high acidic levels. Try drinking vegetable juices if its flavor you're looking for.

The types of food that will help to prevent acid reflux is very important. Eating foods that hinder the symptoms of acid reflux is one method of controlling this medical condition. Eating smaller portions throughout the day, limiting meals right before bed, and consuming more meals per day will decrease the occurrence of acid reflux. In general, the consumption of citrus, fatty foods, caffeine and alcoholic beverages should be closely monitored. Diet is an excellent tool for remedying acid reflux and should be taken seriously.