Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. The primary symptom of GERD is heartburn, notes the American College of Gastroenterology. Along with medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors and H-2 receptor blockers, proper diet is essential to controlling GERD. While there are general dietary guidelines for those with GERD that widely apply, as MayoClinic.com points out, the effects of specific dietary choices vary among individuals.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight increases abdominal pressure and the flow of acid back up into the esophagus, notes MayoClinic.com. Returning to and maintaining a healthy weight can greatly reduce the symptoms of GERD. Losing 1 to 2 lbs. a week is a healthy rate and a realistic goal. Start by cutting out empty calories from junk food and soda. Consult your doctor about a safe exercise regimen that incorporates both aerobic and weight training workouts.
Eat Smaller Meals, More Frequently
You can control GERD flare-ups by eating small meals and snacks frequently throughout the day. Large meals increase pressure on the stomach, notes the University of Illinois McKinley Health Center, triggering acid reflux.
Don't Eat Late
Lying down in the three hours following a meal aggravates GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. For this reason, eat dinner and any nighttime snacks at least three hours before bedtime. Avoid napping or reclining significantly after meals as well.
On a related note, also avoid bending over soon after eating, advises Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
Decrease Fat Consumption
Foods high in fat and fried foods should be strictly limited. They are particularly aggravating to GERD, primarily because they reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and take longer to empty from the stomach, states the McKinley Health Center.
Avoid Acidic and Spicy Foods
Spicy foods and acidic foods such as citrus fruits and juices and tomatoes should be cut from a GERD-sensitive diet. This includes tomato-based products like sauce, salsa and chili. The lining of the esophagus is damaged by GERD, and these foods easily irritate this damage, explains the American College of Gastroenterology.
Avoid These Other Foods
There are a number of other foods commonly known to aggravate GERD. Not all cause problems for everyone, so take note of which foods trigger your symptoms. The most frequently troublesome foods include chocolate, whole milk, mint-flavored foods, oils, fast food, and creamed foods and soups, according to Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Other foods known to cause problems include coffee (caffeinated or decaffeinated), tea, other caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages, garlic, onions and alcohol. Smoking is also an irritant to the condition.
Avoid Gum and Sucking Candy
Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy are best avoided by those with GERD. They cause air to be swallowed, which prompts belching and acid reflux, notes Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- American College of Gastroenterology: The Word on GERD
- Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
- University of Illinois McKinley Health Center: The GERD Diet (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- Mayo Clinic: GERD
