Acid Reflux Triggers: How to avoid those things that bring on the burn.

Jennifer Rackley Caregiver Nutritionist & Caregiver I am a nutritionist and mother of three... Send Message Subscribe: Jennifer Rackley

Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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The question I get more than any other involves people wanting to know what might be triggering their acid reflux flare ups. There are several different ways in which acid reflux can be triggered. In this blog we will discuss both food and lifestyle issues that may contribute to the burn. ...

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Acid reflux triggers
eirrac
Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 04:56 PM

This was a good post! I'd like to know which medications might make reflux worse, since I take several. A list of those that are known triggers would be very useful.

Anyone?

re: Acid reflux triggers
Smiling
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 12:22 PM

Prevacid made my symptons worse.

re: Acid reflux triggers
Jennifer Rackley
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:06 AM

For us the meds and supplements that can trigger reflux are: NSAIDS (Celebrex, Ibuprofen & Aleve), Fiber supplements, Vitamin C, Asprin and Albuterol. That is just what I have seen with myself or my children.

Others I have found listed may include: Calcium channel blockers, Anticholinergics, Beta adrenergic agonists, Dopamine, Bisphosphonates, Sedatives and some Antibiotics. Supplements which might trigger GERD: Potassium, Iron pills, Fiber supplements, Vitamin C.

Hope this helps you avoid some of your triggers but do not stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first!!

Digestive problems
Smiling
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 12:20 PM

I suffered with acid reflux for a while and burping. After trying several medications, losing weight, eating smaller meals and watching the triggers, it improved, but the burping continued. After keeping a food diary, I noticed that the high fiber oatmeal and cereal in the mornings, caused me to burp. So, I discontinued most of the fiber in the mornings and take a magnesium supplement of 500mg a day and in difficults times I take two, one in the morning and 1 at dinner. Never felt better. Still have to stay clear of triggers.

Hope this helps at least one person.

Thank you
Marielle
Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 10:04 PM

Thank you for this post. I am a 32 year old woman struggling with acid reflux for months. Please keep up the good posts, I am learning a lot and now I don't feel so alone!!

re: Thank you
Jennifer Rackley
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:18 AM

Nope, you are NOT alone. I have reflux as well and am about the same age as you. It's not fun! If you want to e-mail me I would be more than happy to help you make some of your favorite meals reflux friendly.

This is a good site to check out in the mean time. It has quite a few ideas:

http://www.drgourmet.com/gerd/gerdmaincourse.shtml

Obviously everyone can have different triggers so be careful. My vote is, "when in doubt, leave it out". So if you are having a flare up and aren't sure if one of the ingredients will bother you then don't use it. Better to try it when your reflux is in better control. ;)

re: Thank you
Jennifer Rackley
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:26 AM

I should also say, my favorite food to help my stomach stay "calm" is yogurt. I have found Activa to work best for me. Just a thought if you haven't tried it.

Recipes?
Marielle
Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 10:08 PM

Hi Jennifer, do you have any good recipes for refluxers? I feel like with dietary restrictions, cooking can get so boring, and I want to keep it somewhat fun for my husband, while avoiding the triggers for myself. Thanks!!

Thanks!
Kerry
Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 06:52 AM

Thanks Jennifer! My son, who just turned 2, has been suffering with DGE and GERD since about 3 months of age. This article was really helpful for me.

re: Thanks!
Jennifer Rackley
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:10 AM

Glad this helped! I am sorry you are dealing with GERD and DGE, it is a rough combo and one I have faced with my daughter as well. You may want to check out the PAGER website at www.reflux.org too. There are forums where you can chat with other moms who have been there, done that. The "General Beginner and Infant" forum gets the most traffic so I would try posting there first. I am sorry you are on the reflux roller coaster with us but if we can help in any way please let me know!