I think my asthma is made worse by acid reflux and I would like to know more about an acid-reduced diet if anyone can help 😊.

[tabbyjade]

Acid-reduced diet for asthma

[awilso]

Hi, I had the same problem and solved it by going vegan whole food, gluten free and fat free. No reflux, no anti acids it was a miracle. There’s no way I’m going back to an omnivorous diet after that.

I know this sounds a bit extreme but tbh the reflux was terrible and the side effects of omeprazole were even worse.

[Beefull8 in reply to awilso]

May I ask what you do eat? I have a similar issue but seems like this would be difficult to maintain long term. Thank you!

[asthmameds in reply to awilso]

Morning I also have the same problem and also changed my diet to control acid reflux. It is a limited diet but does the job. I read around the subject a lot so this is not just my opinion. I cut out all red meat, and almost all fats so no cake or biscuits at all. Mayonnaise or any type of ketchup or brown sauce are also not good. Anything with citric acid also had to go so it was goodbye to orange juice or any other citrus fruits or drinks. Tomatoes in any form are also a no no. Some vegetables are difficult to digest i.e. increase the amount of acid produced. Green beans, cauliflower, broccoli and carrots are my staples. Peas, sweetcorn or baked beans are also an absolute no no. Apples, bananas and melon are the fruits that do not increase the production of acid. Oats are good in reducing acid in the stomach.

It sounds drastic but research results into the use of omeprazole the drug they like to prescribe for acid reflux is pretty scary. There are a number of You Tube Videos that are informative and produced by experts in the field its worth having a look.

[tabbyjade in reply to asthmameds]

Thank you asthmameds. I am aware of most of your list although peas and sweet corn are a surprise. I will have to be more strict with salad dressings. I am intolerant to wheat so gluten free and rarely anything sweet. I am allergic to fish but can eat shellfish. I mainly eat chicken with some pork and lamb which I will have to forgo. I like mango and kiwi fruit but avoid pineapple. Spinach, cavolo nero and chard are often included. I know it’s best to eat small meals but I have a problem getting enough calories being underweight so do overdo it sometimes. Do you know if peanut butter is ok?

[tabbyjade in reply to awilso]

Thank you Awilso. That is a bit too far for me at 82 and underweight.

[awilso in reply to tabbyjade]

Try just dropping fat - things like cheese and bisuits, it might help. I noticed the complete cessation of acid reflux only after I cut out oil, it might work of you too. I hope you have some success, I know how awful acid reflux is to live with.

[tabbyjade in reply to awilso]

Thank you awilso, I will try to do that.

[awilso in reply to tabbyjade]

I had another think this morning based on some of the information you shared. I have found that sulphites cause asthma in me - these are found as preservatives in wine and cordials and some food items E221-E228.

nhs.uk/conditions/food-alle...

Also dairy causes a lot of mucus so butter, milk and cheese. Unfortunately in the UK we add lactose to everything in processed foods so this makes it difficult to cut out.

This might be another way at looking at things.

[teddyd]

My breathing is affected by my acid reflux . There are certain foods I try and stay away from. Anything acidic, spicy and too much dairy.I try not to eat big meals or close to bedtime. I dont have a specific diet but try and stay away from those certain foods. The consultant referred me to the surgeon to see if repairing my hiatus hernia would improve my breathing.

Medication and trying not to over eat helps and trying to control my weight ( easier said than done)

[tabbyjade in reply to teddyd]

Thank you teddy’s. I don’t want medication if it can be avoided. I use Oatly instead of milk and try not to eat cheese but I love butter! I used to love curries but rarely risk it nowadays.

[Penelope321 in reply to teddyd]

I have a hiatal hernia as well. I’ve been told that the surgery may not be a good idea (as in might not fix the problem and cause further problems).

[teddyd in reply to Penelope321]

Surgery will be the very last resort, as my bronchietasis and Asthma are getting worse. Still waiting on results of biopsy so a discussion with the 2 consultants and myself still to take place. Their are other medical conditions that also need to be considered.

But you are probably right things could get worse rather than better

[Deverdad]

Morning, I am not an expert but have a type of Asthma and I take acid re-flux prevention tablets - on medication; one a day.. Yes it treats the problem (not the cause) and I am sure a diet change may help you. I already had a very healthy diet and the DR couldn't find any specific foods to cut out - so went we meds - hope this helps, col.

[tabbyjade in reply to Deverdad]

Thank you Deverdad. I really want to avoid medication.

[risabel59]

I used the Iqoro device and it has really helped me with acid reflux. But I have a partial Hiatus Hernia. I think it is now on the NHS. You can find it online.

[tabbyjade in reply to risabel59]

Thank you risabel59. This is new to me and I will find out more.

[Hidden]

I’ve only just seen this post. I sympathise completely tabbyjade. I’ve been living with breathing problems caused by reflux for a decade. It’s not persistent, it’s intermittent (I can go months with very few problems on just 5-10ml Gaviscon before I go to bed provided I’m careful with diet) which is making it difficult for the gastros to pin down the cause. At the moment it looks as though my issues may not be down to acid reflux (24hr pH monitoring showed that levels of acid in my oesophagus are on the low side of normal). There is, however, something called non acid reflux (pepsin reflux is an example) and I am now awaiting tests for that. In the meantime I have to control things through diet and Gaviscon Advance (being on acid reducing medication would not help at all if my levels of acid are normal or low).

I’m sure you know the main culprits, though I note caffeine hasn’t been mentioned yet and caffeine is not restricted to coffee. Chocolate, tea, and any number of beverages containe caffeine. It’s a known trigger for me. All I can drink is water (and then only when taking food - it’s risky for me to take it on its own) and hot milky water (think tea without the tea element).

Have you been referred to a consultant gastro? If not, request it. It is important that the cause is found so appropriate treatment can be sorted. I sympathise with your view of not wanting to use medication but it does need to be considered carefully? If it is acid reflux then it is very important that it be brought under control; not doing so can result in damage to the oesophagus and you really do not want that. Avoiding trigger foods will help but it still may not be enough.

[tabbyjade in reply to Hidden]

Thank you MaggieHP. Referral will be my next step when I have researched and adjusted my diet. Putting it off after months of hospital visits for other issues. It is all do exhausting 🙄.