Lactic Acid or milk acid is an organic acid with chemical formula C3H6O3. When milk sugar or lactose undergoes fermentation, the product obtained is lactic acid.

Milk and other dairy foods are not acid producing and do not make the body acidic. Systemic or blood pH is not influenced by diet. Milk, cheese and yoghurt are the richest sources of calcium in the Australian diet while also supplying phosphorus, protein and other bone building nutrients.

“Milk is often thought to relieve heartburn,” says Gupta. “But you have to keep in mind that milk comes in different varieties — whole milk with the full amount of fat, 2% fat, and skim or nonfat milk. The fat in milk can aggravate acid reflux.

The worst foods for GERD are spicy foods and those high in fat and salt. Certain drinks may also trigger heartburn….Foods to avoid with GERD include:

• Coffee.
• Fried food.
• Fast food.
• Fatty meats such as bacon and sausage pizza.
• Onions.
• Peppermint.
• Potato chips and other processed snacks.
• Tomato-based sauces.

Whole grains — High fiber, whole-grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain breads help stop symptoms of acid reflux. They are a good source of fiber and may help absorb stomach acid.

You can indulge in it without a big threat of heartburn. Gummy and sour candies (Sour Patch Kids, Gummy Bears) should be a safe choice. In fact, some of the sour elements of candy might help lower the chances of acidic problems.

Dairy foods: Limit whole milk, cream, ice cream, and full-fat yogurt. Dairy foods can increase stomach acid, and high-fat foods can relax the esophageal sphincter muscle. Choose small servings of low-fat versions or non-dairy milk products instead.

Apples are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It’s thought that these alkalizing minerals may help relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus.

Snack Attack: GERD-Friendly Treats

• Non-citrus fruits.
• Crackers with any type of nut butter.
• Raw vegetables with dip or hummus.
• Baked chips.
• Edamame.
• Pretzels.
• Nuts.
• Half an avocado and some corn chips.

You should avoid chunky peanut butter, as it’s more likely to cause symptoms of acid reflux. Smooth peanut butter is often a part of esophageal soft diets. Your doctor may recommend this diet if you have esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus. Acid reflux is often a symptom of esophagitis.

GERD-Friendly Diet Recommendations Most fruits and fruit juices such as apple, grape, cranberry, banana, pears, etc. Low-fat and fat-free soups such as clear broth based soups*. Regular cream soups, other high fat soups*.

Berries are nutritional powerhouses, with some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fresh fruit. And they can be high in Ph, too, and potentially tolerated if you have acid reflux — especially blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

If you’ve been having repeated episodes of heartburn—or any other symptoms of acid reflux—you might try the following:

1. Eat sparingly and slowly.
2. Avoid certain foods.
3. Don’t drink carbonated beverages.
4. Stay up after eating.
5. Don’t move too fast.
6. Sleep on an incline.
7. Lose weight if it’s advised.
8. If you smoke, quit.

Eggs are neither good nor bad for acid reflux. They won’t help your symptoms but are not known to trigger symptoms either (However trigger foods can differ from person to person, so if eggs cause you problems I would limit your intake.)

All root vegetables, except onion, are good for heartburn.

Although lemon juice is very acidic, small amounts mixed with water can have an alkalizing effect when it’s digested. This can help neutralize the acid in your stomach. If you decide to try this home remedy, you should mix one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with eight ounces of water.

Drink lots of water Flushing out the excesses helps to keep your digestive system robust and better functioning. If you are suffering from frequent bouts of acidity and heartburn, drink a glass of lukewarm water in the morning and at night before going to sleep. You will benefit immensely.