If you have ever had heartburn or regurgitation after eating, then you have experienced the symptom frequently suffered by those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic condition in which the acidic, liquid contents of the stomach travel back into the esophagus. This is because the muscular valve where the esophagus joins the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), opens and closes improperly. While medication can help control symptoms, changing your diet may help as well.
Food Triggers
Various foods and beverages may trigger a GERD reaction. Chocolate, peppermint, fatty, fried or spicy foods and tomato products may contribute to heartburn, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Common beverages such as coffee, tea, soda and tomato and fruit juices may irritate the esophageal lining or stimulate stomach acid production and should be avoided. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided as well because they may relax the LES and cause heartburn.
Other Triggers
While food itself does not cause GERD, it may aggravate the condition, according to the American Dietetic Association. Other factors that may cause aggravation include the time and amount you eat. Eating right before bedtime may trigger reflux since the force of gravity cannot assist in the food's downward passage when you are reclined for sleep. Eating meals that are too large for the volume of the stomach may trigger LES opening. Body posture may also affect GERD. A slouched posture while eating puts direct pressure on the stomach, which may hinder passage of food into the stomach.
Healthy Alternatives
A GERD diet may not only help alleviate symptoms, but also may be healthier overall, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Caffeinated beverage alternatives include skim or 1% milk, decaffeinated non-mint teas and drink mixes such as Crystal Lite. Grilling, baking or broiling skinless lean meats are good alternatives to fried and fatty meats. Fish and tofu are also good choices. Nonfat or low-fat desserts are also recommended as long as they do not contain chocolate, peppermint or spearmint.
Treatments
Since GERD has a physical cause, food modifications alone may not be enough to alleviate the symptoms. Some people may simply need to take over-the-counter antacids or stronger medications prescribed by a doctor. In the most serious cases where symptoms have not improved after several months of medication and food and lifestyle modifications, anti-reflux surgery is an option.
Individual Solutions
Foods that trigger GERD may differ from one person to the next. Greasy food may not aggravate GERD in one person but may cause severe heartburn in another. Keeping a food diary of what you eat, how much and when may be a vital tool for people with GERD, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Write down how you feel and note any symptoms you experience. This may help you find out what foods exacerbate your GERD. Finding a treatment and diet plan for your condition is a trial and error process, so take time to find out what works for you.
