How to Avoid Acid Reflux During Intermittent Fasting
Fasting is a great way to reset the body and jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. It can help you lose weight, improve your metabolism, and give you more energy. But for some people, intermittent fasting can cause uncomfortable symptoms, like acid reflux.
Fortunately, there are some simple lifestyle and nutritional changes that you can make to help reduce acid reflux during fasting. By following a few best practices, you can still reap the benefits of fasting without the discomfort of acid reflux.
Avoid Acidic Fruits
One of the first steps to avoiding acid reflux during intermittent fasting is to avoid eating acidic fruits. Citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruit, are high in acid and can irritate the stomach. If you’re fasting, it’s best to avoid these fruits altogether.
Eat Low-Acid Foods
Another great way to avoid acid reflux during fasting is to focus on eating low-acid foods. These include vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins. Eating these types of foods will help to neutralize stomach acid and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Don’t Drink Coffee on an Empty Stomach
Coffee is a great way to get a boost of energy in the morning, but it can also cause acid reflux if you drink it on an empty stomach. To avoid this, try drinking your coffee after you’ve eaten a meal. This will help to prevent the acidic stomach contents from irritating your throat and causing discomfort.
Don’t Eat Too Close to Bedtime
Eating too close to bedtime can also cause acid reflux. Try to finish your last meal of the day at least two hours before bedtime. This will give your body enough time to digest your food before you go to sleep, reducing the risk of acid reflux.
Drink Alkaline Water
Drinking alkaline water can also help to reduce acid reflux during fasting. Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular water, which can help to neutralize stomach acid and reduce the risk of heartburn.
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
When fasting, it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes. Eating too much at once can cause an increase in stomach acid and lead to acid reflux. To avoid this, try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks, like soda, can also cause acid reflux. The carbonation process can increase the acidity of the drink, which can irritate the stomach and cause heartburn. To avoid this, try drinking water or unsweetened tea instead.
Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods
Eating fiber-rich foods is another great way to avoid acid reflux during fasting. Fiber helps to absorb stomach acid and slow digestion, which can reduce the risk of heartburn. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Take an Antacid
In some cases, taking an antacid can help to reduce acid reflux during fasting. Antacids are generally safe and can provide quick relief from heartburn. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
Try a GERD Diet
If you’re prone to acid reflux, a GERD diet may be right for you. A GERD diet is designed to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux by limiting foods that can aggravate the condition. This includes avoiding acidic foods, spicy foods, and caffeine.
Summary
Acid reflux can be a side effect of intermittent fasting, but it doesn’t have to be. By following a few simple tips, you can still enjoy the benefits of fasting without the discomfort of acid reflux. Avoid acidic fruits, drink alkaline water, eat smaller, more frequent meals, and try a GERD diet. With the right lifestyle and nutrition changes, you can reduce your risk of acid reflux and still reap the benefits of fasting.
What can I do to prevent acid reflux during intermittent fasting?
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7) Stay away from trigger foods. …
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8) Have smaller and more frequent meals.
What causes me to experience acid reflux while intermittent fasting?
When fasting, Dr. Berookim states that the lack of food in the stomach for it to digest can lead to an increase in stomach acid levels.
Is it safe for me to practice intermittent fasting if I have acid reflux?
The results of our study indicate that intermittent fasting for a short period of time can help to reduce the severity of symptoms related to both regurgitation and heartburn.
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