Diet for Silent Reflux: Recommended and Restricted Foods, Plus Additional Tips
Silent reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a condition where stomach acid enters the esophagus and travels up to the larynx. This condition may not cause the typical heartburn symptoms but can lead to other discomforts such as a bitter taste in the throat, persistent cough, and difficulty swallowing [1].
To manage LPR symptoms effectively, it's important to follow a diet that is low in acid, fat, and irritating to the throat. Recommended foods include non-citrus fruits like melons, bananas, apples, and pears, which are less likely to trigger reflux symptoms due to their low acidity [1][3]. Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, root vegetables, squash, and sweet potatoes are low in fat and sugar and high in fiber, helping reduce reflux symptoms [3][5].
Whole grains like oatmeal absorb stomach acid and provide beneficial fiber [1]. Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, and seafood, prepared grilled, broiled, baked, or poached, are preferable to avoid excess fat [1]. Egg whites, which are low in fat and high in protein, are preferable to whole eggs, which may trigger symptoms [1].
Healthy fats including extra virgin olive oil, avocado, walnuts, flaxseed, sesame oil, and sunflower oil are preferable to animal fats and fried foods. Extra virgin olive oil in particular may help reduce inflammation and support digestive health [1][2].
Avoiding foods that irritate the throat or relax the lower esophageal sphincter is crucial. This includes alcohol, chocolates, caffeine, peppermints, carbonated beverages, acidic foods like tomatoes, kiwis, pineapples, spicy foods, fried or fatty foods like fries, pastries, and cheese [1]. Crackers and hummus can satisfy hunger without causing additional stomach acid to form.
A plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet, consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and alkaline water, can help reduce symptoms of silent reflux [6]. A person may wish to avoid eating or drinking anything before going to bed, lying down within 3 hours of eating, and bending over within 2 hours of eating [2][4].
For breakfast, a person may wish to consider eating oatmeal or another wholegrain cereal. For dessert, a person can choose foods such as fruit ices, nonacidic fruits, or gelatin products. Medical experts recommend that people with silent reflux drink water or herbal teas [4]. People can add non-citric fruits such as coconut flakes to their oatmeal for added flavor.
Eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big meals may help reduce silent reflux [5]. A person could eat one hard-boiled egg or a piece of nonacidic fruit, such as melon, as a snack. A low-sugar diet can be followed by avoiding foods containing sugar or corn syrup, choosing brown bread or rice over white variants, and opting for whole foods [7].
Following these dietary and lifestyle changes can help manage LPR symptoms and improve overall quality of life. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised advice.
References: [1] Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) Diet. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16656-laryngopharyngeal-reflux/management/hic-managing-lpr-diet
[2] Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lpr
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngopharyngeal-reflux/symptoms-causes/syc-20375647
[4] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lpr
[5] University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. (2020). Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). Retrieved from https://www.upmc.com/conditions/laryngopharyngeal-reflux
[6] University of California San Francisco. (2020). Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). Retrieved from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/laryngopharyngeal-reflux
[7] WebMD. (2020). Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/reflux-laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lpr
[8] Healthline. (2020). Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/laryngopharyngeal-reflux
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- Whole grains like oatmeal, which absorb stomach acid, can help alleviate symptoms of silent reflux and support overall digestive health.
- Unlike whole eggs, egg whites are preferable for managing symptoms of silent reflux due to their lower fat content and higher protein content.
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