An esophageal diet is commonly prescribed to persons suffering with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD is a condition characterized by symptoms or tissue damage resulting from long-term exposure of the esophageal lining to stomach acid. Primary GERD symptoms are persistent heartburn and a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest and upper abdomen. GERD symptoms vary from person to person, and some individuals experience no symptoms. Most GERD suffers have mild symptoms and no tissue damage.
Purpose
An esophageal diet is prescribed, along with medication in some cases, to alleviate symptoms associated with GERD and allow the esophagus to heal. An esophageal diet may also be prescribed to people with esophageal ulcers, which usually result from GERD, as well as to people with esophagitis, or swelling of the esophagus. It is also good for those who experience frequent heartburn.
Nutritional Facts
According to the Jackson/Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website, a GERD diet is relatively easy to follow. It includes foods from the four major food groups, the exception being a few limitations on meat consumption. Persons with GERD who cannot tolerate citrus foods can take a vitamin C supplement.
Dietary Modifications
Patients on an esophageal diet are advised to avoid eating large meals and to lower their intake of fatty and fried foods. Fatty foods decrease lower esophageal sphincter, or LES pressure, and can delay emptying of the stomach, resulting in acid reflux. You should also lower caloric intake to lose weight if you are overweight or obese, because obesity can cause acid reflux. Chocolate should be avoided because it contains methylxanthine, which reduces LES pressure. Coffee is also known to cause GERD, as are mint, citrus juices, carbonated beverages, tomato products and alcohol. However, some GERD patients can tolerate these items.
Other Modifications
Other factors contribute to the weakening of the lower esophageal muscle. The McKinley Health Center suggests that you also quit smoking, avoid eating three hours before bedtime, maintain an upright posture during and after eating, sleep on your left side, and opt for non-mint gums, which increase saliva production and decrease acid in the esophagus.
Conclusion
Effectively treating GERD requires a combination of lifestyle and dietary modifications and drug therapy. No one specific GERD diet fits all. Work with your doctor or dietitian to create a diet specifically tailored to your needs and symptoms. If you have GERD you should keep a food journal and record every food you eat, the time of day it is eaten and your symptoms. This will help to identify foods that trigger GERD symptoms that you should probably eat less of or avoid altogether.
