Reflux and which foods to avoid?

[OM]

When I went to the Dr about my little girls reflux he told me to cut a few different foods from my diet which I have been but lately everyone else I speak to that's child has reflux have been told to cut out different foods ie no dairy which I wasn't told to do. Can you please tell me a list of foods that should be cut out.

Thanks

[RISA]

Hi Oscar's Mum,

Dealing with reflux can be quite confusing, and everyone seems to have a different idea. That is because there is no one easy answer; what works for one child may not work for another, and it can often come down to trial and error (and doing what works!!).

There are foods that are known to increase the risk of reflux, irritate the child’s gut lining, or delay stomach emptying, and these are perhaps best avoided. These are foods like citrus fruits, such as oranges and their juice, pineapple and grapefruit; tomato products (and any other acidic foods), spicy foods, fatty foods (sausages, bacon, fried foods, cream), chocolate, and peppermint and spearmint oils, and carbonated drinks.

Those foods are often mentioned as ones to avoid, even in the breastfeeding mother. Other foods that cause ‘wind’ can cause problems for some refluxers, so if you notice any problems when you eat onions, cabbage and those kinds of foods, it may pay to be vigilant. (licorice too lol)

Were those foods along the lines of what your doctor told you? Have you noticed a difference with what you have avoided, whether it was those, or something else entirely?

There seems to be a growing awareness of food sensitivities causing reflux in a lot of children, with cows milk protein being one of the most common problem foods. (a fairly recent medical article quoted something like 40% of reflux children were sensitive to cows milk protein). That doesn’t mean your child will have problems with dairy, but does hopefully explain why a lot of people have been told that. Other common foods implicated in food allergies or intolerances are soy, wheat, eggs and nuts.

If you suspect you should try cutting out dairy, or you feel unsure about what you should be doing, then it may be best to talk to your doctor again, and get their input. They may be able to answer questions more specific to your own child, which may help. Diet is far too important to play around with, especially as you are breastfeeding. Both your and your baby’s nutritional status must be taken into account. If you want to try avoiding dairy, then please seek medical advice and the guidance of a dietitian.

I hope that helps
Glenda