1. Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the foods to avoid if you have acid reflux. Chocolate has caffeine, which is one problem with acid reflux. It is also high in fat. If you are an acid reflux sufferer, you may want to consider nixing the chocolate or prepare to deal with the consequences.

2. Spicy

I bet you have a favorite spicy food? I, for one, love spicy chicken wings and good Mexican food. Unfortunately, for many people, spicy foods leads to unbearable heartburn. This may mean lowering the level of heat in some of your favorite dishes so you can still have them, but avoid the aftermath.

3. Tomato-Based

Tomatoes are an awesome healthy food, but they are unfortunately extremely high in acid and cause major problems for people with acid reflux. For many this means leaving behind favorites like spaghetti, salsa, and ketchup.

4. Citrus

Your morning OJ maybe the cause of your heartburn. If you notice heartburn and acid reflux shortly after breakfast, try skipping the orange juice in the morning. Non-citrus juice is a better option. Water, of course, would be the best option against acid reflux.

5. Fried Foods

First off, we know that fried foods are often associated with acid reflux and heartburn. It’s that high fat content that makes it so detrimental to acid reflux sufferers. Opt for baked and grilled foods over fried to save yourself the inconvenience.

6. Carbonated Drinks

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that carbonated drinks like soda are bad for acid reflux. The bubbles in the carbon expand in the stomach and create pressure, making it more likely for the esophageal sphincter to open.

7. Alcohol

Although most alcoholic beverages are low in acid they can still cause trouble. You see, alcohol can relax the valve, causing food and stomach acid to enter the esophagus. This is even more likely to happen if you mix alcohol with carbonated drinks or juices high in acid like orange juice.

8. Whole Milk and High-Fat Dairy

Knowing that all other foods high in fat are bad for acid reflux, it makes perfect sense that high-fat dairy would be too. Why would one high-fat food be any better than others? Unfortunately, if you are cheese lover like myself, you will have to think twice before making a meal out of your favorite cheese. I know that other cheese and low-fat dairy products aren’t as enjoyable as the real thing. Use them as flavoring, not staples in your meals.

9. Mint

I was surprised to learn that mint can also cause acid reflux. I know it is good for soothing an upset stomach. Unfortunately, it also relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which leads to acid reflux. Ginger tea is a better alternative for people with acid problems trying to calm an upset tummy.

Do you have acid reflux? What foods do you have to avoid and which ones here are you surprised to learn are heartburn offenders?