1. GERD Defined
GERD (gastric esophageal reflux disease) is a disease of the digestive system with the main symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn. When the heartburn or acid reflux causes damage to the esophagus or causes you to change your lifestyle, it becomes the disease known as GERD. GERD symptoms start with the symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux, including a burning feeling or pain, especially after eating. The pain may be localized to chest pain, especially under the ribs. Other symptoms of GERD include difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing, regurgitation or some stomach contents flowing back up the esophagus. GERD is caused by a combination of excess production of stomach acids (which enable the digestion of food) and the weakening of a sphincter muscle which allows some acid to leak out of the stomach. Certain foods will trigger an episode of acid reflux in some people, while others aren't bothered by it. Most people with GERD are advised to eat smaller portions so the stomach produces less acid. Reclining or lying down also tends to make GERD or acid reflux worse, so foods should be eaten at least three hours before bedtime. Doctors recommend keeping a food diary so you know your own triggers of acid reflux.
2. Spicy Foods to Avoid
Although no one food can be termed a trigger for GERD or acid reflux, many people find that spicy foods will trigger an episode for them. If spicy foods tend to trigger an episode of GERD for you, either avoid them altogether or reduce your consumption of spicy foods. Many ethnic foods are highly spiced, including Mexican, Caribbean, Italian and Polish foods. Avoid hot peppers and spices commonly found in ethnic foods to reduce the incidence of acid reflux. If you are the cook, replace the spicy ingredients with spices that are highly flavorful, yet not as spicy.
3. The Dangers of Dining out
Restaurants sometimes use spicy ingredients to flavor foods, in foods you don't expect to be spicy. Ribs may be rubbed with a highly spiced rub that includes hot spices, such as jalapeño peppers. Steaks are sometimes prepared with a marinade that includes very spicy ingredients, including tabasco sauce or hot pepper sauce. If you know that spicy foods exacerbate your GERD symptoms, avoid dining out in restaurants that normally serve spicy foods. Always ask your server how the dish is prepared before you order it. And take along antacids when you dine out-- just in case.
Member Comments