Does any body know what foods cause acid reflux or make the symptoms worse versus the foods that help acid reflux or don't aggrevate it?

I'm trying to figure out which foods I eat that make the symptoms worse.

From what I have read, I don't think food "causes" acid reflux, but food "can" make the symptoms worse. I would think that if any of the foods listed below don't bother you, then eat them. Or if other foods not mentioned below bother you, quit eating them. I have also read to avoid peppermint and alcohol.

On this HealthyPals forum at general-health/being-overweight-may-contribute-heartburn-t224.html it says foods to avoid are:

1) Citrus fruits such as oranges.
2) Chocolate.
3) Drinks with caffeine, like coffee, tea, many soft drinks.
4) Carbonated beverages.
5) Whole milk.
6) Fatty and fried foods.
7) Garlic and onions.
8) Mint flavorings, peppermint, spearmint.
9) Spicy foods.
10) Tomato based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza.

I read that making sure you do not over eat at dinner will help acid reflux a lot. Eating a big meal at dinner causes excess stomach acid production. Try to avoid that feeling of stuffed-ness after eating dinner. Small, frequent meals is better than large, less frequent meals. Eating foods high in complex carbohydrates is a good idea. These foods include rice, breads and pasta and they are able to tie up excess stomach acid and are often easy on the stomach.

Another thing I read is that it is a myth that acidic fruits and juices cause acid reflux. In 2006, researchers from the Stanford University found that the only two behavioral changes can reduce symptoms of acid reflux -- eating less and elevate your head while sleeping. But who knows if that is true? Always a good idea to be safe than sorry!

Here is a list of safe foods to eat and drink if you have acid reflux:

• Apple, fresh
• Apple, dried
• Apple juice
• Banana
• Baked potato
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Peas
• Ground beef, extra-lean
• Steak, London Broil
• Chicken breast, skinless
• Egg whites
• Egg substitute
• Fish, no added fat
• Cheese, feta or goat
• Cream cheese, fat-free
• Sour cream, fat-free
• Soy cheese, low-fat
• Bread, multi-grain or white
• Cereal, bran or oatmeal
• Corn bread
• Graham crackers
• Pretzels
• Rice, brown or white
• Rice cakes
• Mineral water
• Salad dressing, low-fat
• Cookie, fat-free
• Jelly beans
• Red licorice
• Potato chips, baked

And then foods and drinks to avoid include:

• Orange juice
• Lemon
• Lemonade
• Grapefruit juice
• Cranberry juice
• Tomato
• Mashed potatoes
• French fries
• Onion, raw
• Ground beef, chuck
• Marbled sirloin
• Chicken nuggets
• Buffalo wings
• Sour cream
• Milk shake
• Ice cream
• Cottage cheese, regular
• Macaroni and cheese
• Spaghetti with sauce
• Liquor -Beer is the worst type of beverage or alcohol to drink. It could double your stomach acid within an hour.
• Wine
• Coffee, decaffeinated or regular
• Tea, decaffeinated or regular
• Salad dressing, creamy
• Salad dressing, oil & vinegar
• Butter cookie, high-fat
• Brownie
• Chocolate
• Doughnut
• Corn chips
• Potato chips, regular