Acid reflux is a common condition and at times can cause serious complications like heartburn. This can happen when your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened or damaged. In order to prevent the food in the stomach from moving up into the esophagus, the LES closes. When the acids in the stomach touch the esophagus, it can cause irritation and pain. Generally, the food that you eat may affect the amount of acid that is produced by your stomach. Eating the right kind of food is the key to controlling acid reflux or gastroesophageal disease also known as GERD. GERD is a very severe, chronic form of acid reflux. Scroll down to take a glimpse of some of the foods that may help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux in your body. These can prove to be natural remedies to prevent acid reflux and GERD.

• Vegetables

As vegetables are by nature low in both fat and sugar, they can help reduce stomach acid. Some of the vegetables that would be good options for serving this purpose include green beans, asparagus, broccoli, leafy greens, cauliflower, potatoes, and cucumbers.

• Ginger

Ginger is great for soothing heartburns and other gastrointestinal problems due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. A good way by incorporating ginger in your diet is by adding sliced or grated ginger in recipes that you normally make at home or in smoothies, or in green tea and this can definitely ease your symptoms of heartburn.

• Oatmeal

Oatmeal is not at all difficult to eat as it is a breakfast favorite. It is a whole grain and is also an excellent source of fiber. Oatmeal can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD by absorbing the acid in the stomach. Other fiber-rich foods include whole-grain breads and whole-grain rice, which are also great at reducing symptoms of heartburn.

• Non-citrus fruits

Fruits like melons, pears, apples, and bananas that are not rich in citric acid are fruits that are less likely to trigger symptoms of reflux than acidic fruits like oranges and pineapples.

• Lean meats and seafood

Good sources of lean meat like chicken, turkey, and seafood help reduce symptoms of acid reflux and they are also low-fat. They can be eaten grilled, baked, broiled or poached.

• Egg Whites

Egg whites are also low fat and they help keep acid reflux and GERD symptoms at bay. You will need to however stay away from egg yolks, as they are high in fat and may also trigger symptoms of heartburn.

• Healthy fats

Sources of healthy fats include walnuts, flaxseeds, avocados, sesame oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil. These foods that are rich in healthy fats can help in warding off or at least reducing symptoms of heartburn. But you will need to stay away from foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats. Replacing them with healthier unsaturated fats is better for your body especially if you struggle with heartburn.

You need to keep in mind that none of these foods will actually cure your condition completely. They will give temporary relief and at times prevent the onset of these conditions. You need to make the decision as to which of the above mentioned foods will be suitable for you based on your own experiences with them.