If your acid reflux seems to kick into high gear in the summer, you are not alone. During summer, people tend to eat more, eat later in the day and consume foods and drinks that are highly acidic.
Citrus and other high-acid foods and drinks are in season during the summer and seem to be especially satisfying. So, we eat more of them. Summertime activities such as grilling increase our exposure to acidic foods. Many people grill fatty foods, tomatoes, onions, pineapple and even citrus. Many people will double their consumption of the acidic foods without even realizing it.
Summertime is also the time where a lot of the more acidic foods we eat are in season. The prices go down and our consumption goes up. Many people will actually double their normal consumption of acidic foods without even realizing it.
A lot of people love to grill in the summertime. Grilling is generally one of the healthier ways to cook food, but it all depends on what foods are grilled, what sauces are used, etc. A lot of people grill foods that are naturally fatty and other high acidic foods like tomatoes, onions, pineapple and citrus. Don?t make the mistake of thinking that because it was grilled that it won?t bother you just the same.
The foods that bother acid reflux the most seem to be the very ones that are most delicious grilled! Fatty foods, citrus, onions and pineapple are so good grilled, but oh, do we ever pay the price afterward!
Second, incorporate lower acid foods into your daily diet. Yogurt is acidic, but will help to control the acid in your stomach and intestines. Salads are also good, as long as you limit the tomatoes and dressing. Try dipping your bites into a small serving of dressing instead of pouring it over the salad.
Third, eat/drink your citrus earlier in the day. You can take an antacid before you eat, or if you are drinking acidic fruit juice, replace a quarter or half of the juice with water.
Incorporating more water in your diet helps keep things moving. Water will give you that feeling of fullness, thus reducing the temptation to snack. It also helps in digestion, so your food is not left stewing in your stomach.
Many acid reflux sufferers keep a ready supply of antacids close. Taking one before you eat usually prevents the acid reflux altogether.

