When you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, your esophagus is chronically exposed to the abnormal backflow of stomach acids and bile. As these fluids encroach on the esophagus, they irritate and inflame the lining of this food pipe, prompting episodes of heartburn, acid reflux, dysphagia, sore throat and dry cough. Often referred to as simply GERD, this condition is usually treated conservatively at first, using a combination of diet and acid reducers, before ever turning to prescription medication and other medical procedures.
Step 1
Eat smaller meals. As you work to adjust your diet, start off by eating smaller meals throughout the day. You want to keep the food in your stomach at a minimum. Larger portions may bring the stomach acids, bile and food particles closer to the esophageal sphincter (valve) where they may escape into your food pipe.
Step 2
Keep a food journal. Though this isn't a dietary necessity, a food journal allows you to track your intake of food. If you suffer a flare-up, you can refer back to your notes to determine which foods are troublesome for you. Since no two people are exactly alike, neither are their GERD triggers.
Step 3
Limit your intake of foods that are high in fat. Fatty foods have a tendency to relax the valve at the base of your esophagus, allowing stomach contents to backflow into the food pipe. Fried foods are by far the main culprits, but you may also have problems with chips, cookies, brownies, chocolate, ice cream, whole milk, beef, eggs and some cheeses.
Step 4
Avoid highly acidic foods. Foods that are highly acidic can increase the amount of acid in your digestive tract, contributing to the irritation and inflammation of the esophagus. Some foods are worse than others, including tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruit and the juices or sauces made from these types of produce.
Step 5
Reduce the amount of spicy foods in your diet. Spicy foods can exacerbate the symptoms of GERD, so foods like garlic, onions, chili peppers and seasoning should be consumed with some caution.
Step 6
Pay attention to what you drink. Both stimulants and depressants can affect the severity of GERD symptoms, making alcohol, coffee, tea and soda (especially colas) problematic for many people.
Step 7
Cut your calories. If you're overweight, the extra pounds that you are carrying may be compressing your stomach and causing stomach acids to invade your esophagus. Discuss healthy diet options with your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- Dysphagia is a disorder of the throat characterized by a difficulty in swallowing. It is commonly caused by GERD.
- If diet fails to provide results, start using an antacid or acid reducer. When these products prove ineffectual, talk to your doctor about a prescription medication to treat GERD.
Things You'll Need
- Notebook (optional)
