Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows upward into your esophagus. Occasional acid reflux is common, and most individuals experience heartburn associated with acid reflux from time to time. However, when acid reflux occurs regularly or involves a large amount of acid, it becomes a real problem that can have lasting impacts on your digestive health.

Acid reflux is frequently caused by a weak or damaged lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the body part that connects your esophagus to your stomach. A strong, healthy LES closes after your food enters your stomach, which keeps the food and your stomach acid contained within your stomach. A weak LES does not close tightly and allows acid from your stomach to leak into your esophagus, which causes heartburn.

Additionally, if your body produces higher amounts of stomach acid, that acid is more likely to travel from your stomach into your esophagus, making you more likely to experience acid reflux. Controlling the acid in your stomach is the best way to control acid reflux symptoms.

Fortunately, what you eat plays a significant role in controlling acid reflux and is often the first line of defense in treating your condition. You food choices impact the amount of acid your stomach produces. Choosing “stomach friendly” foods will help alleviate your symptoms and allow you to feel your best.

In general, experts recommend maintaining a well-balanced, low-fat diet for optimal acid reflux symptom control. Below we break down what a well-balanced diet looks like for someone with acid reflux.