Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, is a condition in which acid in your stomach travels into the esophagus. The acid can irritate your esophagus and cause burning and pain. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, more than 60 million people in the United States have symptoms of GERD at least one time a month and more than 15 million people in the United States have symptoms every day. Certain foods can make GERD worse. If you have GERD and your symptoms don't improve, see your doctor.
Causes of GERD
The American College of Gastroenterology states that GERD is caused by relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular ring located near the opening of the stomach that prevents stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus. Certain foods can cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, as well as increase the production of stomach acid that can lead to GERD. Other causes of GERD include smoking, pregnancy, obesity and hiatal hernias.
Foods to Avoid
In general, you should avoid foods that are acidic, spicy or fatty, as well as foods that contain caffeine or mint. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, recommends avoiding these trigger foods: chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes, alcohol, coffee, tea, soda, fatty foods, fried foods, peppermint, spearmint, onions, garlic, spicy foods, salsa, spaghetti sauce, chili and pizza with tomato sauce.
Prevention
The NDDIC offers several tips to help you avoid GERD: avoid trigger foods; wait two to three hours after you eat to lay down or go to bed; eat smaller meals more frequently; elevate the head of your bed about six to eight inches by placing wedges underneath of the bedposts; quit smoking; and lose weight if you are obese. The McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois also recommends keeping a journal of foods that cause GERD symptoms, the time of day that you experienced the symptoms and the symptoms that you experienced. This can help you narrow down foods that are causing problems.
When to See Your Doctor
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends that you see your doctor if you do not experience relief from lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. You may need a prescription medication to control your symptoms.
Considerations
Chronic GERD is associated with an increased risk of several conditions including esophageal stricture, Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer, notes The American Academy of Gastroenterology. Esophageal stricture is a condition in which your esophagus becomes scarred and narrowed from chronic exposure to stomach acid, which may result in an obstruction. Barrett's esophagus occurs when the cells that line your esophagus become damaged from stomach acid and transform into premalignant cells, which can lead to esophageal cancer. It is imperative that you treat GERD appropriately to avoid these serious complications.
