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Acid reflux is a common condition that doctors say is affecting a greater number of people.  The reason for the growing rise in cases of acid reflux seems to be due to our diet.

Everyone is busy, and people on the run tend to make poor food choices, opting to eat for convenience rather than nutritional value.  It's so easy to stop for fast food or munch on unhealthy snacks that these options are beginning to make up the very basic diets we're living on.  These foods, however, are filled with unhealthy sugars and calories, and are wreaking havoc on our digestive systems.  Many people, in fact, are so sensitive to these unhealthy foods that they will suffer from severe acid reflux or indigestion.

If you suffer from digestive discomforts, there are certain foods that should be avoided.  The following five groups are real culprits in causing the pain and discomfort of acid reflux:

Fast Food
Scan any menu at a fast food restaurant, and you'll come across countless foods that will send your acid reflux into overdrive.  Greasy foods are especially irritating to your system, so foods like French fries and grease-laden burgers are most inappropriate.  Fried chicken is another one to avoid.  If fast food is your last resort at mealtime, see if they offer a "healthy choice" menu with grilled items.  Even most burger joints will have at least one grilled chicken sandwich on the menu.  Try grilled chicken with a side salad instead of a burger and fries, and see how this healthier selection can tame your acid reflux.

Dairy Products
While milk and milk products play an important role in a healthy diet, there are many people that will experience acid reflux or indigestion as a result of dairy intake.  Ice cream and sour cream are two major opponents in the fight against acid reflux.  Cottage cheese can also hurt your stomach.  Talk to your doctor about food options or medications that can calm acid reflux while allowing you to benefit from a diet rich in dairy products.  

Fruits and Vegetables
No one can argue the nutritional value of fresh produce, but certain fruits and vegetables will aggravate the system.  Potatoes and onions are leading culprits in the vegetable category to cause acid reflux and heartburn.  Even an innocent dish of mashed potatoes can bring on an all-out flare up.   Even doctors will advise you to avoid potatoes at all costs.   Highly acidic fruits should also be avoided.  If you suffer from digestive problems, say "no" to grapefruits, cranberries, tomatoes, oranges and lemons.

Desserts
Most desserts will come back to haunt you.  Chocolate is one of the most dreadful enemies to those suffering from acid reflux.  Chocolate cake and brownies can be very harmful to a sensitive digestive system.  Anything high in butter content should also be avoided.

Beverages
Toasting good health must be done with caution, as many of your favorite drinks will bring on indigestion.  Alcohol should certainly be avoided, as it can easily cause digestive stress.  Liquor and wine should be taken in small amounts, or avoided altogether.  Coffee, tea and carbonated beverages are also ruthless triggers of acid reflux.

When planning a diet to combat the effects of acid reflux, most people naturally choose to avoid fats and spicy foods.  It's surprising to learn that many otherwise healthy foods can actually make matters worse.  What's best for a balanced diet may not necessarily be beneficial to your digestive system.  Play it safe; speak with your doctor and develop a diet that's both healthy and comfortable for you.