Acid Reflux on Keto: How to Stop Acid Reflux on Keto

People often think of excellent weight loss results and improved general well-being regarding the keto diet. At the same time, with this high-fat, low-carb diet comes a hidden danger that many unsuspecting keto-ers may not be aware of: acid reflux.

Even though the ketogenic diet can be great for your health, it also makes you more likely to get heartburn and acid reflux. 

In this article, we'll discuss the connection between acid reflux and the keto diet, the common causes of acid reflux on the keto diet, and ways to prevent and manage acid reflux while following the keto diet.

The Connection Between Acid Reflux and the Keto Diet

The connection between acid reflux and the keto diet has yet to be fully understood.

It is believed that the high-fat content of a ketogenic diet may be to blame, as it can relax the muscles in the lower esophagus, allowing stomach acids to back up into the esophagus and cause irritation.

Additionally, certain foods that are part of a ketogenic diet, such as dairy, fried foods, and processed meats, can also increase your risk of experiencing acid reflux. Cutting down on these types of foods may help reduce symptoms associated with acid reflux.

To lower your risk of acid reflux while on keto, eat slowly and carefully, drink lots of fluids throughout the day, avoid overeating fat in one sitting, and avoid any trigger foods like dairy or processed meats.

Keto Diet And Heartburn Relief

There are numerous things you may take to lower your likelihood of getting heartburn while on the keto diet:

• Limit processed snack foods and fried foods high in fat, as these can be difficult to digest.
• Focus on eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than large meals.
• Drink plenty of water to help keep your stomach acid at bay.

Finally, ensure you're getting plenty of fiber-rich vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, which can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to lessen acid reflux and heartburn while reaping the advantages of the keto diet.

Preventing/Managing Acid Reflux on Keto

Limit Liquids With Meals

When following the ketogenic diet, limiting liquids with meals is essential. This is because drinking too much liquid can dilute digestive enzymes and lead to indigestion.

It can also increase the amount of gas and air in your intestines, which can cause bloating or cramping.

Additionally, it takes up space in your stomach that would otherwise be filled with food, leading you to feel fuller faster and detracting from the enjoyment of your meal.

To minimize these risks, try drinking liquids between meals or limiting yourself to a few sips during a meal. This will ensure you get the most out of your nutrition without risking acid reflux or other digestive issues!

Eat Fermented Vegetables

Fermented vegetables are a great way to get the probiotic benefits of fermented foods while on a keto diet. Fermented vegetables contain beneficial bacteria that help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.

They also provide additional vitamins and minerals to help support your health while on the keto diet.

Additionally, fermented vegetables are packed with flavor and can add a kick of taste to any meal.

Buy fermented vegetables from a reliable source because some brands may contain preservatives or other ingredients that could mess up the ketogenic diet.

Add fermented vegetables to salads, tacos, soups, stews, stir-fries, and more for an easy way to incorporate probiotics into your diet!

Stay Upright After Eating

On a keto diet, staying upright after eating can be an excellent way to stop the acid reflux. When lying down, stomach contents are more likely to flow back up the lower esophageal sphincter and cause symptoms of acid reflux.

Eating upright helps keep food and stomach acids in the stomach where they belong. Also, sitting up for at least 30 minutes after eating helps your body digest the food and may stop you from having acid reflux.

It's also good to avoid doing things right after a meal that require bending over or working hard physically. This can cause low stomach acid and contents to be pushed upward into the esophagus.

Staying upright after eating is a simple but effective way to lower your chances of getting acid reflux and its uncomfortable symptoms while on a ketogenic diet.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acid Reflux on Keto

What is acid reflux? 

Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and causes irritation, heartburn, and other symptoms.

What is the keto diet? 

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that has gained popularity for its weight loss and health benefits.

Can the keto diet cause acid reflux? 

Yes, the high-fat content of the keto diet may relax the muscles in the lower esophagus, allowing stomach acids to back up into the esophagus and cause irritation.

What are some common causes of acid reflux on the keto diet? 

Certain foods that are part of the keto diet, such as dairy, fried foods, and processed meats, can also increase the risk of experiencing acid reflux.

How can I prevent acid reflux while on the keto diet? 

Limit processed snack foods and fried foods high in fat, focus on eating smaller meals throughout the day, drink plenty of water, and eat fiber-rich vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

Can I eat fermented vegetables on the keto diet? 

Yes, fermented vegetables are a great way to get the probiotic benefits of fermented foods while on the keto diet.

How can I manage acid reflux on the keto diet? 

Limiting processed snack foods and fried, fatty foods high in fat, eating smaller meals throughout the day, and drinking plenty of water can help manage acid reflux.

What should I avoid doing after a meal to prevent acid reflux? 

Avoid doing things that require bending over or working hard physically right after a meal, as this can cause low stomach acid and contents to be pushed upward into the esophagus.

Why is limiting liquids with meals important on the keto diet? 

Drinking too much liquid with meals can dilute digestive enzymes and lead to indigestion. It can also increase the amount of gas and air in your intestines, which can cause bloating or cramping.

Can the keto diet provide health benefits despite the risk of acid reflux? 

The keto diet has many health benefits, including weight loss, improved cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar control. Individuals can still reap these benefits while on a diet by taking steps to prevent acid reflux.

Related Research on How to Stop Acid Reflux on Keto

Effects of a ketogenic diet on GERD-related symptoms in overweight and obese adults: a pilot study

The study investigated the effects of a ketogenic diet on GERD-related symptoms in overweight and obese adults. The results suggest that a ketogenic diet may help reduce symptoms of GERD, including heartburn, regurgitation, and belching, in overweight and obese individuals.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6368388/

Ketogenic diet and gastroesophageal reflux disease: A possible beneficial role of ketones.

This article reviews the possible beneficial role of ketones in managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. A ketogenic diet may reduce symptoms of GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting weight loss.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6571545/

Impact of a ketogenic diet intervention during radiotherapy on body composition: I. Initial clinical experience with six prospectively studied patients.

The study examines the impact of a ketogenic diet on the body composition of six patients undergoing radiotherapy. The results suggest a ketogenic diet may help preserve muscle mass and reduce fat during cancer treatment.
Link: https://ro-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13014-017-0819-x

Ketogenic diet and other dietary interventions in cancer treatment

 This article provides an overview of ketogenic diets and other dietary interventions in cancer treatment. The authors suggest that these diets may help improve cancer outcomes by reducing inflammation, promoting weight loss, and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7385143/

The ketogenic diet and cancer- what is the connection?

The article discusses the potential connection between the ketogenic diet and cancer. The authors suggest that a ketogenic diet may help slow the growth of certain types of cancer by reducing inflammation and altering metabolic pathways. However, more research is needed to fully understand ketogenic diets' role in cancer treatment.
Link: https://cancerandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40169-017-0160-8

Conclusion

In conclusion, acid reflux can be a common problem for people who follow a ketogenic diet. However, several simple strategies can be implemented to reduce the chances of experiencing reflux symptoms worse.

Important prevention parts are eating standing up and avoiding activities that require bending over or physical effort right after a meal.

On a keto diet, awareness of trigger foods and eating with awareness can help ensure the body gets all the nutrients it needs.

With these tips in mind, individuals can take steps to ensure they can continue following their chosen dietary plan without suffering from acid reflux.