The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include frequent heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, sensation of a lump in the throat, and a dry cough among others, states the health education website of the Mayo Clinic. GERD is caused by a weak or abnormally functioning lower esophageal sphincter, a condition to which many factors can contribute. In some cases, GERD may not be reversible; however, you can manage its associated symptoms with diet adjustments. Avoiding foods such as caffeinated beverages, garlic, fast food and chocolate are important to reducing symptoms and may help alleviate discomfort after meals.
Vegetables and Fruits
Consume fruits such as apples, bananas, papayas and dried versions of fruits. Vegetables such as broccoli, peas, potatoes, cabbage and carrots are also safe options. Packaged vegetables in sauce or cheese can irritate some individuals with GERD, so stick with raw and lightly cooked versions. Lentils and beans are GERD-friendly vegetables that can be consumed as a side dish or in casseroles. Avoid citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges, which are known GERD triggers that cause discomfort and heartburn, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Dairy
Many dairy products -- such as cottage cheese, ice cream and whole milk -- create heartburn symptoms for people with GERD, explain the experts at the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois. Experiment with replacing these high-fat foods with fat-free or low-fat versions, soy products, fat-free cream cheese, feta cheese and goat cheese. Results will vary because some individuals are more prone to dairy sensitivity than others.
Meat and Fish
According to the Mayo Clinic, fried fish and meats are irritating to the gastric lining, which causes acid indigestion for people with GERD. Replace high-fat meat foods with less fatty, unprocessed options such as extra-lean ground beef, skinless chicken, baked fish and soy products such as tofu. Vinegar, hot sauce, salsa, and pepper use should be limited because these can trigger GERD symptoms.
Beverages
Decaffeinated and regular coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks and tomato juice are problematic for GERD patients, reports the American College of Gastroenterology. Choose apple juice or water for best results. Although herbal tea made from spearmint, peppermint and mint can be irritating, an infusion drink made with rosemary may help aid in digestion and reduce stomach acids.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- American College of Gastroenterology: The Word on GERD
- University of Illinois McKinley Health Center: The GERD diet
- MayoClinic.com: GERD Lifestyle and Home Remedies
