Dr. Michael Schopis, a board certified internal medicine physician, shares tips for dining out when you have acid reflux.
Research shows a link between numerous foods and possible reflux. However, it’s essential to understand that how you respond to each potential trigger food is unique to you. It’s unlikely that every possible trigger is leading to symptoms.
The most common trigger foods are:
- acidic foods, like citrus fruits and tomatoes
- foods with high fat content
- fried foods
- spicy foods
- alcoholic beverages
- coffee or other caffeinated drinks
- carbonated drinks
- chocolate
- mint
You should first try to identify what exactly your trigger foods are. This can be a pretty difficult process, so it’s a good idea to work with a physician or dietitian to identify your triggers.
Once you’ve identified these triggers, you can tailor your restaurant experience around these items to prevent reflux episodes.
Restaurants often use more fat, spices, and acid to improve the taste than you would when cooking at home.
The truth is, it’s extraordinarily difficult to know how a dish will be prepared at a restaurant just from looking at the menu. Try asking before ordering to determine if you can handle specific items.
Foods that are more bland or smaller in size tend to lead to less acid reflux overall. Many bread or starch-based items are on the safer side, but it’s still going to ultimately depend on how the items are prepared.
Eating late isn’t bad in and of itself. When you go to bed and whether you lie down shortly after a meal is what matters most.
Studies show a link between lying down less than 3 hours after a meal and worse reflux. So, you can eat late but realize you might have to stay up that much later to prevent symptoms.
There are a few go-to items that can be helpful in treating unwanted reflux while eating:
- Antacids: These are very safe to take and can work in a pinch.
- Alginates: Products containing alginates can also be helpful in treating acid reflux symptoms.
- Histamine H2 blockers: Over-the-counter tablets like famotidine can soothe symptoms after they’ve started.
Finding relief from heartburn
Even when you’re careful, eating out can trigger acid reflux. Over-the-counter (OTC) products may help ease the discomfort.
Gaviscon® Extra Strength Fruit Blend Antacid Tablets are formulated for heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD relief — day or night. They are designed to provide fast-acting, long-lasting relief from symptoms.*
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Studies suggest that eating smaller, frequent meals leads to fewer symptoms than large meals. When people rush during a meal, they often overeat because there’s not enough time to feel full, so feeling rushed can absolutely contribute to symptoms. Stress can also potentially exacerbate symptoms, but its exact link with reflux needs further study.
If you have chronic reflux, the best thing you can do is learn what your triggers are so you can make the best choices for yourself when eating out.
The second-best thing to do is to have a plan B. Bring medications with you to take in case symptoms unexpectedly happen. Preparing for the worst will lead to a much happier, stress-free dining experience.
Dr. Michael Schopis is an ABIM board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in gastroenterology and hepatology. He is currently a practicing physician at Manhattan Gastroenterology in New York City, and he specializes in GERD, dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer prevention, and hemorrhoid treatment.