Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a continuous digestive disease whereby stomach acid surges back up into the esophagus. The acid then chafes the lining of the esophagus and creates indications of GERD such as acid reflux and heartburn. These are ordinary occurrences that most people have experienced. However, when the symptoms begin happening more than two or three times every week, you should seek a doctor's attention.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of GERD are: a hot or stinging feeling in your chest area which makes its way down to your throat; a burning in your chest; problems swallowing; a raspy cough, sore throat or gravelly voice; and the impression that there is something stuck in your throat.
Considerations
Most people with GERD end up using either over-the-counter medications such as Prilosec or they obtain a prescription from a doctor for a stronger medication. However, there are some other ways that you can combat GERD symptoms if they are not that bad. The most common way of doing this is to modify your diet. Seek out the help of a qualified nutritionist to help you maintain a healthy diet.
Identification
The best thing a nutritionist can do for you is to look at a diary that you keep for about a week, where you write down everything you eat. The nutritionist can then analyze it and start weeding out foods that cause the most acid build-up in your stomach. Fruits that are naturally acidic should be avoided. These fruits include tomatoes and tomato juice, lemons, grapefruit, oranges and cranberries.
Warning
If you suffer from GERD, there are also certain vegetables that you should be careful eating like French fries and onions. Certain meats have been implicated in causing acid reflux too, including buffalo wings and chicken nuggets. People with GERD should not drink wine, coffee or black teas. Also, foods high in fat and fried foods should be off limits. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, even chocolate and peppermint should be avoided.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes that have to do with eating may also be necessary to eliminate the discomfort from GERD. The National Guideline Clearinghouse for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends that if you are plagued by GERD you should eat early dinners and wait two to three hours after you eat to go to bed. In addition, if you are overweight, work at losing those excess pounds. You can also modify your favorite recipes to fit your new diet. For example, substitute low-fat cheese in your baked macaroni and cheese.
