Foods that weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle encouraging acid reflux or heartburn and should be eaten in smaller portions or limited:

• Fried or fatty foods
• Coffee (including decaffeinated coffee which increases acid content in the stomach)
• Caffeinated tea and cola drinks (increase acid content in the stomach)
• Alcoholic beverages (Although some studies have shown that small amounts of alcohol may actually protect the mucosal layer)
• Chocolate
• Peppermint and spearmint
• Garlic
• Onions

Foods that increase the acid content in the stomach and should be limited or consumed in small portions:

• All caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soda with caffeine)
• Coffee (including decaf coffee)

Food that can irritate a damaged esophageal lining and should be limited or eaten in small portions:

• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomato products
• Chili peppers
• Pepper

Foods that can bloat up the abdomen causing pressures that force acid to back up into the esophagus:

• All carbonated beverages

What to do if you love spicy foods?

• Eat spicy foods in small portions
• Avoid eating a large meal at the same time you have your small amount of spicy food (overeating in general, can exaggerate heartburn)
• Try not to wash your little spicy meal down with alcohol or coffee (even decaf)
• Try not to take a nap or lie down for several hours after your little spicy meal
• Chew some gum after the meal to help increase the flow of saliva

Alcohol?
Some studies have actually shown that small amounts of alcohol may actually protect the mucosal layer. It is also known that a low dose of alcohol accelerates gastric emptying. This can be a good thing when you have acid reflux. The sooner your stomach empties its meal into the small intestine, the sooner your esophagus isn't being tormented by the stomach contents. But that is where alcohol helping acid reflux ends. Alcohol relaxes the sphincter muscle (potentially encouraging acid reflux) and it can also irritate the mucous membrane of the esophagus as it is going down. In terms of digestion, you can get too much of a good thing, too. Whereas a low dose of alcohol can speed stomach emptying in the small intestine, high doses of alcohol slow stomach emptying. How much is a little? It really depends on the person. Some of the people I spoke with were able to manage their symptoms with no more than one drink a day.

Eat slowly
Take your time eating your meals and snacks. You are less likely to eat a large amount of food at one sitting when you take your time and enjoy every bite. Eating meals that are smaller in size and calories help you avoid heartburn.

Eating small and frequently.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and eating light at night is a great eating style for many health reasons, including acid reflux.

No Smoking!
Smoking increases your risk of acid reflux disease and esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and ulcers. These conditions are especially high among smokers, as are cancers of the entire upper digestive tract. You may think the smoke is going only to your lungs, but it is contaminating the upper part of your digestive tract as well including your mouth.