The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked that all forms of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine (Zantac) be taken off the U.S. market in April 2020. S. market. They told people to follow this advice because some ranitidine products had too much NDMA, a chemical that is likely to cause cancer. People taking prescription ranitidine should talk with their doctor about safe alternative options before stopping the drug. People taking OTC ranitidine should stop taking the drug and talk with their healthcare provider about alternative options. Instead of taking unused ranitidine products to a drug take-back site, people should get rid of them by following the directions on the product or the FDA’s guidelines.
People who have acid reflux may feel better if they stay away from foods and drinks that make their symptoms worse, like spices and soda. People with these conditions may feel better if they eat a lot of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is when stomach acid regularly moves back up into the food pipe. This regurgitation lasts for a long time and can cause painful symptoms like heartburn and pain in the upper abdomen. The severity of the condition often relates to a person’s diet and lifestyle.
Avoiding trigger foods and following other dietary tips may relieve the symptoms of GERD. This article explores the foods that people with GERD may wish to exclude from their diet. It also discusses foods to include.
Not long ago, scientists didn’t fully understand GERD, and there wasn’t any proof that changing your diet could help your symptoms. A review from 2021 suggests that some foods, like fruits and vegetables, may lower your risk of GERD, but more research is needed.
Similar to this, a study from 2016 found that people who ate a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats were less likely to get GERD.
Vegetables are low in fat and sugar. They are also a suitable source of fiber, a beneficial carbohydrate. Suitable options include:
Eating non-citrus fruits is less likely to trigger GERD symptoms. Fruit is also a suitable source of vitamin C, fiber, magnesium, and potassium.
Egg whites are also fine, but egg yolks are high in fat, which may make GERD symptoms worse.
Additionally, when cooking proteins, try using lower-fat methods, such as grilling, broiling, baking, or poaching, instead of frying.
A general rule for GERD is to avoid high-fat meals. All types of fat can make GERD symptoms worse, but people should avoid or cut back on saturated and trans fats for better health.
Saturated and trans fats can be replaced with healthy unsaturated fats in moderation. These include:
Whole grains are suitable sources of fiber. Research links diets high in fiber with a reduced risk of heartburn symptoms. Some whole grain foods include:
GERD is a digestive disorder, so diet can often affect the symptoms of the condition. Understanding this, changing what you eat and how you live can help a lot with many types of GERD.
Animal foods, like eggs and fatty meats, tend to be high in saturated fats, which can make GERD symptoms worse. Examples include:
As someone who loves snacking on beef jerky but also deals with acid reflux I was curious to find out if my favorite high-protein snack could be making my symptoms worse. After doing some research it seems the answer is not completely straightforward. While beef jerky may potentially trigger acid reflux in some people, there are also ways to enjoy it safely even with this condition. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the pros and cons of eating beef jerky with acid reflux.
What is Acid Reflux?
First, let’s quickly review what exactly acid reflux is. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, coughing, and chest pain. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach) weakens or relaxes, allowing acidic stomach contents to flow upwards.
Acid reflux can be made worse by factors like hiatal hernias, pregnancy, obesity, smoking, and certain foods. Many people experience occasional acid reflux, while others have chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The Nutritional Profile of Beef Jerky
Before determining if it triggers reflux, let’s look at why beef jerky is considered a nutritious snack. Beef jerky is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. A 1 ounce serving provides 9 grams of protein, accounting for 18% of the Daily Value. Beef jerky also contains zinc, iron, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
However, beef jerky is high in sodium, with over 1000 mg per serving It’s also relatively high in fat compared to fresh beef, with 7 grams of fat per ounce The fat content comes from added oils and marinades used to flavor the jerky.
So in terms of nutrients, beef jerky can be an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. But the high sodium and fat could be problematic for acid reflux.
Can Beef Jerky Worsen Acid Reflux?
Now onto the main question: does beef jerky trigger acid reflux symptoms? There are a few reasons why it may:
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High Sodium Content: Salty foods can exacerbate acid reflux. The high sodium content in beef jerky causes the stomach to retain more fluid, potentially causing indigestion.
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High Fat Content: Fatty and fried foods are common reflux triggers. The oils and marinades add extra fat to beef jerky, even when using lean cuts.
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Tough Texture: The dry, chewy texture of jerky requires thorough chewing. People with reflux often have difficulty properly breaking down tough, hard-to-chew foods.
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Nitrates and Preservatives: Jerky cured with nitrates or containing common preservatives like MSG may trigger reflux in sensitive individuals.
So while beef jerky is not guaranteed to cause acid reflux, aspects of its nutritional composition and texture provide plausible reasons why it may exacerbate symptoms in some cases.
Tips for Safely Eating Beef Jerky with Acid Reflux
For acid reflux sufferers who don’t want to give up their beef jerky cravings entirely, there are some tips to help prevent symptoms:
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Choose jerky with lower fat and sodium. Look for products cured without nitrates or MSG.
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Drink plenty of water when snacking on jerky to help neutralize stomach acid.
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Avoid eating jerky too close to bedtime, as acid reflux worsens when lying flat.
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Chew each piece thoroughly before swallowing to facilitate digestion.
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Balance jerky with non-trigger, low-acid foods like whole grains, vegetables, or dairy.
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Take antacids if needed for occasional symptoms, but see a doctor if reflux persists.
It also helps to pay attention to your personal tolerance. Notice if smaller portion sizes, certain brands or flavors, or timing of consumption affects your reflux symptoms.
Healthy Beef Jerky Alternatives for Reflux Sufferers
For those who find even small portions of beef jerky consistently exacerbate acid reflux, some healthy alternatives provide similar protein in a safer form:
Turkey Jerky – Most turkey jerky has 50-80% less fat than beef options. Just be mindful of sodium content.
Tofu Jerky – Made from dried seasoned tofu, this vegan jerky substitute is low-fat and contains protein, without being tough to chew.
Salmon Jerky – Wild caught salmon jerky provides heart-healthy omega-3s instead of saturated fat.
Edamame Chips – Crunchy, savory edamame chips give protein, fiber, and no added fat.
Roasted Chickpeas – For a homemade snack, roast spiced chickpeas in the oven for a crispy bean that’s high in protein and fiber.
Protein Bars – Many protein bars have 10 grams of protein but less fat and acid-provoking ingredients than jerky.
Greek Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt, berries, and nuts for a protein-packed, reflux-friendly sweet snack.
These alternatives help prevent the common jerky pitfalls of tough texture, high sodium, and excess fat that can aggravate acid reflux.
Should You Avoid Beef Jerky If You Have Reflux?
In conclusion, while beef jerky may potentially worsen symptoms, there are ways to incorporate it safely in moderation as part of a balanced diet if you have acid reflux. Pay attention to your personal tolerance, chew thoroughly, choose lower sodium options, and balance with non-acidic foods. If you find even small amounts consistently trigger reflux, then swapping for a jerky alternative is wise. But with careful consumption, many people with acid reflux can still enjoy the delicious protein punch of beef jerky without issue. As with any diet choice, your individual reaction is what matters most.
Oils and high fat foods
These can cause the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus to relax, exacerbating GERD symptoms. They also slow down digestion.
Examples include:
- oils
- fatty meat
- butter
- baked goods
- cheese
- cream
- potato chips
High glycemic index foods, which are typically high in refined sugars, are linked with GERD symptoms. Examples include:
- white rice
- white bread
- baked goods
- potato chips
- sweet fruits
- breakfast cereal
- fruit juice
- soda
A 2021 review examined the relationship between cow’s milk allergy (CMA) and GERD symptoms in children.
The researchers found that children with CMA often experienced symptoms of GERD after consuming cow’s milk. Ongoing research is examining whether this also applies to adults. However, CMA is rare in adults because many allergic children develop a tolerance for cow’s milk by the age of 6 years.
The evidence for a link between reflux symptoms and milk is mixed. Some studies even suggest consuming milk is associated with lower rates of nonerosive reflux disease.
But people who regularly feel pain or bloating after eating dairy products with cow’s milk may find that cutting them out of their diet helps with these problems.
Some people choose to avoid common trigger foods, such as coffee and chocolate, to alleviate GERD symptoms. However, this approach has little clinical backing, while results vary between individuals.
Some common trigger foods may include:
- chocolate
- mint
- carbonated beverages
- acidic drinks, such as orange juice and coffee
- caffeine
- acidic foods, such as tomato sauce and citrus fruits
- spicy foods
- alcohol
People who have GERD might try cutting out each type of food to see if their symptoms get better. If symptoms do not improve, they can incorporate the food type back into their diet.
In 2022 guidelines for diagnosing and managing GERD, the American College of Gastroenterology suggests avoiding trigger foods to help manage GERD symptoms. However, they also state that there is little evidence to support this recommendation.
To ease the symptoms of GERD, experts say to follow a Mediterranean diet or a similar plan that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some sample meal ideas include:
- oatmeal with berries
- poached eggs on whole grain toast
- avocado on whole grain toast
- mixed salad greens with whole grain pita bread and hummus
- brown rice with steamed vegetables and salmon
- whole grain bread sandwich with tuna and grilled vegetables
- vegetable, pesto sauce, and low-fat cheese on whole grain pizza
- baked skinless chicken with grilled vegetables and baby potatoes
- grilled vegetable skewers with hummus dip and salad
When a person swallows, food passes down the food pipe to the stomach. Some muscle rings at the bottom of the food pipe open to let food into the stomach. This is called the lower esophageal sphincter. It then closes up, to prevent the food from returning up the food pipe.
If the esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can leak back up into the food pipe and cause GERD.
Folks sometimes call GERD acid reflux or heartburn, but these are just signs of the disease and not separate conditions.
Without treatment, GERD can lead to severe health problems, such as Barrett’s esophagus. In this condition, abnormalities develop in the cells lining the food pipe. In some cases, this may lead to cancer.
Heartburn is the main sign of GERD. It is a painful feeling that can range from a burning feeling in the chest to feeling like food is stuck in the throat. It is also relatively common to experience nausea after eating.
Some less common symptoms of GERD include:
- hiccups
- burping
- wheezing or weak coughing
- a sore throat
- changes to the voice, including hoarseness
- food regurgitation
Lying down immediately after eating can worsen symptoms. People sometimes find their symptoms also get worse during the night. If this is the case, they may feel better if they sleep with their head raised and don’t eat for at least two hours before bed.
The symptoms of GERD are highly treatable.
People can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat GERD. These include antacids, such as Gaviscon, which neutralize stomach acid.
People can also buy H2-receptor blockers, which might stop the stomach from making acid for up to 12 hours. OTC proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) have a similar effect.
Prescription medications might include stronger antacid, or acid-blocking, drugs. Although these are generally effective, they only reduce stomach acid levels. Some people may not get enough vitamin B12 if they take antacids, PPIs, or H2-receptor inhibitors on a regular basis because they break down food with this acid.
Baclofen is a drug that can help control symptoms by reducing the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. However, baclofen can cause adverse effects, including fatigue and confusion.
Worst Foods to Eat with Acid Reflux (GERD, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) | How to Reduce Symptoms
FAQ
Does beef make acid reflux worse?
What meats can I eat with acid reflux?
Can I eat beef patty with acid reflux?
What chips can I eat with acid reflux?
What foods should I avoid if I have Gerd?
The GERD diet focuses on avoiding foods that are more likely to trigger reflux and your symptoms. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and pineapples (for some people) are likely reflux triggers because of their acid content. The high acidity of tomatoes and tomato based foods may be an irritating.
What foods should you avoid if you have acid reflux?
The foods that cause heartburn and that you should avoid when you have acid reflux have a few things in common. Foods that sit in the stomach longer (hello, fatty and heavy foods!) can worsen some of the symptoms listed above, says Dr. Chowdhry. We’ll start with ones to avoid, and then mention quite a few that can help.
Can food cause acid reflux?
However, if the sphincter relaxes, food can push upward through the loosened opening and cause acid reflux. “Diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux symptoms and is the first line of therapy used for people with GERD,” says Ekta Gupta, M.B.B.S., M.D., gastroenterologist with Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Is beef jerky bad for You?
In addition, because some store-bought beef jerky may contain added ingredients, anyone who has an allergy to meat, soy, or gluten should check the ingredient labels before consuming jerky. Beef jerky is also typically high in sodium nitrates. These compounds are often added to processed foods to help preserve them and give them a salty flavor.