Published at December 2, 2024

Acid reflux is a common condition that typically occurs after eating a large, rich meal or lying down too quickly after eating. Not only can it be uncomfortable, but it can interfere with daily life and sleep if left untreated. There are two primary ways to manage acid reflux, which include medication and making changes to your diet. To help stop triggering your acid reflux, we’ve compiled a quick acid reflux diet chart with foods to eat and avoid.

What is Acid Reflux?

Also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, commonly referred to as heartburn. When the condition becomes more severe and frequent, it is referred to as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is typically chronic, whereas acid reflux can occur infrequently.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Common Symptoms

  • Heartburn
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Noncardiac chest pain, especially when lying down
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat
  • Asthma-like symptoms

Potential Triggers

  • Certain foods and beverages
  • Eating large meals
  • Lying down immediately after eating
  • Smoking
  • Pregnancy
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Obesity
  • Certain birth defects

Acid Reflux Diet Plan

Creating an acid reflux or GERD diet plan will partly depend on your individual circumstances and lifestyle. Below are foods and drinks to include and avoid when creating your personal diet plan. See an example of a 7-day acid reflux diet plan here and a 7-day GERD diet plan here.

Best Foods for Acid Reflux

  • Fruit: pears, bananas, apples, ripe melon
  • Vegetables: leafy greens, cauliflower, asparagus, cucumbers, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, peas, green beans
  • Pretzels
  • Rice cakes
  • Whole-grain bread
  • Brown rice
  • Oatmeal
  • Potatoes
  • White fish
  • Lean meat
  • Poultry
  • Cottage cheese
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Avocados
  • Olive oil

Best Drinks for Acid Reflux

  • Weak herbal teas like chamomile
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Foods to Avoid

  • Spicy foods: chili, hot peppers
  • Citrus fruits
  • Tomatoes, pasta sauce, ketchup, and tomato soup
  • Fatty foods, which is why a keto diet for acid reflux is not the best option
  • Chocolate
  • Mint

Drinks to Avoid

  • Coffee
  • Caffeinated and carbonated drinks
  • Alcohol

More Tips to Manage Acid Reflux

In addition to creating a regular acid reflux diet menu plan, it helps to implement the following practices at home:

  • Eat smaller meals
  • Leave 2-3 hours between eating and going to bed
  • Sleep on your left side
  • Stop smoking and drinking
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce abdominal pressure
  • Take over-the-counter medications like antacids and alginates

Acid Reflux Prescription Medications

Here are the most common acid reflux medications that are prescribed:

  • Histamine receptor antagonists (H2 blockers): Cimetidine and Famotidine
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Lanzoprazole and Omeprazole.

Treating Acid Reflux at 24HRDoc

Treating acid reflux is a holistic endeavor that often requires lifestyle changes, an acid reflux diet menu plan, and medication. Over-the-counter antacids and alginates are accessible at a local pharmacy, but if you have significant and frequent symptoms, it’s worth consulting with a doctor to receive further treatment.


At 24HRDoc, we make it easy to schedule an online consultation and chat with a qualified doctor about your acid reflux or GERD. Depending on your needs, they can prescribe acid reflux medication that can be called into your local pharmacy for pick up or delivery. Get the treatment you need today without the hassle of having to go in person to a clinic!