Certain foods can aggravate your heartburn symptoms, and when planning your acid reflux diet, it's best to avoid those foods and drinks that result in acid reflux. There are some foods that can be consumed with discretion, foods that you may be able to enjoy occasionally.
The foods listed in the Table below are those you may be able to enjoy occasionally, in moderation.
For a listing of foods that usually cause little or no heartburn problem, please check out the table for foods that have Little Potential to Cause Heartburn. For a listing of foods that you should avoid, foods that have a high risk of causing heartburn, please check out the table for foods that can be Foods To Be Avoided.
This is by no means a complete list, and in your personal situation, you may either find you can eat the foods from the "Avoid" group with no problem or have problems with foods not listed. It is a good idea to keep a Food Diary. For approximately two weeks, write down what you eat, when you eat and any symptoms you may experience. This will help you and your doctor plan your diet and decide on any change in eating habits you may need.
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| Food Group | Foods To Be Consumed With Discretion |
| Fruit | • Orange juice, low-acid • Apple cider • Peach • Blueberries • Raspberries • Strawberries • Grapes • Cranberries, dried |
| Vegetables | • Garlic • Onion, cooked • Leeks • Sauerkraut • Scallions |
| Meat | • Ground beef, lean • Chicken salad • Scrambled eggs, in butter • Eggs, fried • Fish, fried • Tuna salad • Hot dog, beef or pork • Ham |
| Dairy | • Yogurt • Milk, 2 percent or skim • Frozen yogurt • Cottage cheese, low-fat • Cheddar cheese • Mozzarella cheese |
| Grains | • Garlic bread • Muffin • Granola cereal |
| Beverages | • Non-alcoholic wine • Beer • Non-alcoholic beer • Cola • Root beer |
| Fats / Oils | • Ketchup |
| Sweets / Desserts | • Cookie, low-fat |
