Diet for Silent Acid Reflux

Silent acid reflux disease is actually a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux. The condition is silent because a patient does not have the typical symptoms of acid reflux. Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, but some silent acid reflux sufferers do not have heartburn at all. The condition occurs when stomach acids flow into the esophagus through the esophageal sphincter and further into the throat.

Foods to Avoid

The symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux are different than the symptoms of acid reflux. A hoarse throat, chronic cough, post-nasal drip, burning sensation in the throat, hoarseness and difficulty swallowing are the symptoms of silent acid reflux.

Not every sufferer of acid reflux will have problems with the same foods, but some foods cause problems for more people than other foods. Those with silent acid reflux should monitor their symptoms to determine if avoiding these trigger foods has any benefit. Avoid chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruit, peppermint, onions, garlic, spicy foods and tomatoes to reduce the symptoms of silent acid reflux as well as esophageal acid reflux.

Weight Loss

Losing some weight is one of the best remedies for silent acid reflux. When a patient is overweight, there is an excess amount of pressure on the stomach, which can cause acid to be forced into the esophagus. In patients who are suffering from silent acid reflux, the stomach acid travels from the esophagus into the throat, causing throat discomfort.

Eat a well-balanced diet that eliminates about 500 calories from your daily menu. Plan your weight loss diet to include lean sources of protein from chicken and fish, complex carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables and healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil. Avoid simple sugars and processed foods on your healthy diet.

Food Journaling

Start a food journal to find the trigger foods that exacerbate your silent acid reflux symptoms. There are some common foods that cause symptoms in many people, but every case is different. Your food journal will help you find the foods that seem to cause your symptoms to worsen. Keep the journal for a few months and write down every food that you consume. Keep track of your symptoms each day and eventually you will notice a connection between the foods that you eat and the symptoms that you feel.

Food journals are a tool that you will only need to keep for a short time. Stop keeping your food journal when you discover the particular foods that affect your silent acid reflux.