Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a very common disorder, according to University of Illinois. Even though it is common, it is an uncomfortable and serious condition that degrades quality of life and can lead to the need for surgery. Once GERD is diagnosed, eating a special diet and taking medication may decrease the symptoms and even reverse damage.
Anatomy
Food passes from the mouth through a long tube known as the esophagus and then into the stomach, where it is digested with strong acid. At the bottom of the esophagus lies a special band of muscle that opens to allow food to pass into the stomach, and then closes to prevent stomach acid from rising back up the esophagus.
GERD
Sometimes the lower esophageal muscle malfunctions and acid is allowed to go back up the tube, a condition known as acid reflux. Doctors call this gastroesophageal reflux, or GER. If reflux continues over a long period of time, the stomach acid corrodes the esophagus. Damage to the esophagus is the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. A proper diet will reduce GER, and perhaps prevent GERD.
Diagnosis
GERD is diagnosed by a doctor, usually after the patient has a special test done where a camera is attached to a long flexible tube, then passed down into the esophagus to look for disease. If GER or GERD is diagnosed, the physician will usually prescribe medicines and suggest a special diet to reduce stomach acids. If GERD cannot be reversed by diet and medicine, surgery may be performed to repair damage to the esophagus.
Symptoms
Understanding the symptoms of GERD may help the patient make better food choices with the ultimate goal of reducing the damage caused by acid and avoiding surgery. Symptoms include heartburn, chest discomfort and foul-tasting stomach acids coming up into the mouth. Other symptoms may include hoarseness, coughing and shortness of breath. The diet for GERD is designed to reduce acid reflux, eliminate symptoms and prevent further damage to the esophagus.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that are high in fats and stay away from fried foods. Coffee can cause acid reflux, as can chocolate or other sources of caffeine. Mints like peppermint and spearmint can cause reflux, as can whole milk and fast foods. Tomatoes and some citrus fruits can cause reflux and should be avoided, even though people with GERD should increase fresh fruits and vegetables. Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated well, either.
Foods to Include
A person experiencing gastroesophageal reflux should eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, although specific fruits or vegetables that cause reflux in an individual should be avoided. Low-fat milk and dairy products can be eaten if tolerated. A person suffering GERD can eat meats that are low in fat, such as chicken, fish and turkey.
Considerations
There are several things that make GERD symptoms worse. Lying down after a meal may allow acid to back up into the esophagus. Avoid late night snacks for this reason. Stop using tobacco, because nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle. Eat small meals so your body has more time to digest the food. If you are overweight, lose several pounds, as the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse lists obesity as a risk factor for GERD. Pregnancy may also temporarily increase the chances of reflux.
