Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when the  acid flows back from the stomach to the esophagus. To treat this problem and to seek instant relief, a lot of people rely on over-the-counter medicines. However, to get completely rid of this issue, it is advisable to adopt various dietary changes. So, here are some of the foods that you should avoid to prevent acid reflux.

• Meats
  Red meats such as beef, lamb, and pork have high protein content, but at the same time, they are also hard to digest. In addition, they are loaded with cholesterol and fatty acids that can irritate the stomach and trigger reflux symptoms. Hence, it is better to switch to leaner meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish varieties, including tuna, trout, and tilapia.
• Grains
  Whole grains usually form a staple part of your everyday diet. However, grains like wheat, rice, rye, and corn have great acidic content in them. Therefore, it is advisable to consume them in smaller portions or replace them with healthier alternatives such as quinoa, brown rice, barley, and buckwheat. Rich in fiber, they can also promote smooth digestion and prevent the acid from flowing back.
• Alcohol
  The long list of foods to avoid to prevent acid reflux also includes alcohol. The risk of heartburn is greater when you consume alcohol like beer and wine. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can damage the esophagus lining and may increase the complications. To keep the sphincter muscle at ease, it is better to limit or completely eliminate alcohol consumption.
• Caffeine
  Caffeine is known to trigger the acid present in the stomach and allows it to escape to the esophagus. The frequency of the symptoms can dramatically increase after consuming coffee. So, it is better to limit its consumption or avoid it altogether.
• Carbonated beverages
  Carbonated beverages are an absolute no-no. They are caffeinated, carbonated, and acidic, and together all these factors can worsen the symptoms. Their consumption is also linked with nighttime heartburn episodes, especially if you consume them while taking the prescribed medicines.
• Chocolates
  Chocolates contain caffeine, which can aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux. In addition, dark chocolates also contain a hormone called serotonin, which has a similar effect on the stomach. It is better for chocolate lovers to have one small bite in hours to prevent a sudden flare-up.
• Acidic fruits
  Fruits are generally considered healthy for the overall functioning of the body. However, in the case of acid reflux, acidic fruits can become the reason for the burning sensation. So, you must avoid consuming apples, oranges, peaches, and papaya. Instead, you should try watermelon, grapefruits, nectarines, and currants.

Although acid reflux is common, it does not have to affect your overall health. With a few lifestyle and dietary changes, it is possible to manage your condition. Also, by eliminating the above-mentioned foods, you can prevent sudden episodes from occurring.