Which food type slows down stomach emptying, exacerbating reflux in older children?

Foods high in fat.

Dietary adjustments are crucial for managing reflux in older children, and identifying specific trigger foods is a major focus. Among the common exacerbating agents, foods that are high in fat have a specific physiological impact: they significantly slow down the rate at which the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine. When stomach emptying is delayed, the contents remain in the stomach longer, increasing the opportunity and pressure for reflux to occur against the LES. While acidic foods, chocolate, peppermint, and spicy items can also trigger symptoms by relaxing the LES or increasing acid production, high-fat items directly influence gastric motility, contributing significantly to reflux episodes.