Acid reflux is a common condition where stomach acids are reversed back up through the esophagus into the throat. When this happens, you may experience some discomfort like a heartburn. Some people may even experience a sour or bitter taste in their mouth.
If this condition continues and goes untreated, it may turn out to be a serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Unfortunately, those with acid reflux have to keep a check on what goes into the mouth because there are several triggers that may worsen the symptoms.
Most people with acid reflux restrict themselves from eating or dining out because of their diet limitations. Although home cooked food is the best option for conditions like these, you can eat out occasionally bearing in mind the following tips.
1. Have Your Dinner Early In The Evening
Those with acid reflux symptoms should have their dinners early in the evening. Eating late at night can be one of the biggest triggers of nighttime heartburn.
It is important to have to have dinner at least three to four hours before you hit the bed. So, plan your “dine out” day well to avoid triggers at night.
2. Make Smart Choices When You Order
It is important to know your heartburn or acid reflux triggers before you make your order. Different people have different foods that may worsen their symptoms; however, some of the most common triggers you should avoid include the following:
- Citrus fruits and their juices
- Spicy foods
- Tomato products
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcohol
- Coffee and caffeinated beverages
- Fried and fatty foods
Choose lean cuts of white meat rather than red meat as the latter can worsen reflux symptoms. Similarly, choose grilled or steamed vegetables for your sides instead of fatty, fried foods.
Much the same way, if you like curries or gravies, broth-based sauces are better than creamy ones to avoid reflux symptoms.
3. Inquire About Your Dishes
Unfortunately, you don’t cook the foods you eat at the restaurants. Therefore, it is compulsory to ask your waiter questions about the foods you order.
Ask how a particular dish you order is prepared, what the ingredients are, and suggest a few changes if you like.
Before bombarding the waiter with the questions, mention that you have a health condition and that it is important for you to know exactly what each dish is made of.
4. Chew Your Food Thoroughly
Whether you have acid reflux symptoms or not, it is important for everyone to chew their food thoroughly and slowly to enjoy the food entirely.
Chewing is the beginning of the digestion process. Failing to do so may cause bloating and may take longer to digest the food. Chewing slowly also increases the alkalinity of the food thereby reducing the acid content that may worsen reflux symptoms.
5. Keep Your Dessert Light
So, if you have a sweet tooth, desserts are usually the ones you crave for but can’t have because of the reflux situation.
But, here’s good news for those who love desserts – you can have desserts even if you have acid reflux symptoms but the key is to keep them light and in small portions.
Instead of heavy cheesecake or chocolate mousse, choose something lighter like angel food cake and some fruits to go with it or low-fat yogurt with non-citrus fruits.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothes
You would be surprised how your clothes can have an effect on your appetite. That’s right! When you choose to dine out, make sure you wear clothes that are comfortable and not too tight.
Tight clothes, especially are your waistline, can increase your risk of a heartburn. So, instead of wearing those tight, skinny jeans, choose something your body can breathe in.
So, if you faced problems in the past to enjoy a few moments of pure satisfaction with your friends and family after a wonderful meal at your favorite restaurant, follow these tips to make sure you don’t face them again.
