Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition characterized by persistent reflux. Reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach or small intestine move up into the esophagus. Italian researchers from the S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital concluded in an article in 2009 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that the role of diet in preventing and improving reflux is controversial. There is no specific diet for GERD, but certain foods have a reputation for alleviating or aggravating symptoms of GERD.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
GERD can be caused by anatomical abnormalities, but according to the National Institutes of Health, some people develop GERD for unknown reasons. Possible risk factors of GERD include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, stress, alcohol use, eating heavy meals, eating before exercise and lying down after a meal, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Acid indigestion is the main symptom of GERD and causes chest pain and burning. GERD can also cause cough, asthma, difficulty swallowing, burping, nausea, vomiting and sore throat.
Traditional Treatments
The goals of treatment for GERD are to reduce reflux and stomach acid, improve the passage of food to the stomach and protect the esophagus from damage. Over-the-counter medications can help reduce symptoms, but according to the UMMC, severe cases of GERD may require prescription medications or surgery. Dietary and lifestyle interventions are used to manage mild cases of GERD.
Weight Loss
Overweight individuals with GERD can benefit from weight loss, according to the McKinley Health Center and UMMC. The best way to lose and maintain weight is eat fewer calories and balance your diet with physical activity. A healthy diet for weight loss should focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins, which are naturally low in calories and fat but high in essential nutrients. It should limit high-calorie foods and foods made with added fat and sugar. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains in particular are rich in fiber, which benefits the heart and induces satiety to prevent overeating and subsequent weight gain.
In addition to eating a healthy diet, the USDA recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the weight for weight maintenance and 60 to 90 minutes a day for weight loss.
Foods to Avoid
Limit or avoid citrus and tomato products, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, alcohol, fatty or spicy foods and mint. These foods have a tendency to increase stomach acid and relax the intestinal muscles, making it easier for stomach contents to rise into the esophagus. High-fat foods delay stomach emptying, which allows more time for GERD to occur, according to the UMMC. The MHC says chewing non-mint flavored gum can improve symptoms of GERD by increasing saliva production and decreasing the amount of acid in the esophagus.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbs and supplements may benefit digestive health, but many have not been scientifically proven to be effective. The UMMC advises consulting a physician before using alternative therapies to treat GERD due to possible side effects and medication interactions. Supplements that may benefit digestion include multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil and probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus. Herbs that have been used to treat gastrointestinal conditions include DGL-licorice, cranberry, peppermint and mastic.
References
- McKinley Health Center: The GERD Diet
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- United States Department of Agriculture: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- World Journal of Gastroenterology; "Body Weight, Lifestyle, Dietary Habits and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease"; D. Festi, et al; 2009
