GERD, known in the medical community as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition defined by chronic episodes of acid reflux or heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux develops when the lower esophageal sphincter fails to properly close, allowing stomach contents and acid to rise into the esophagus. This causes the symptoms of stomach pain, cough, sore throat, nausea or abdominal pain a person with GERD experiences, states the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. Everyone is different, but there are several foods that typically contribute to GERD symptoms.
Acids and Fatty Foods
There are many acidic foods that worsen GERD symptoms when consumed. Foods such as oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits, tomatoes, tomato paste and other citrus fruits should be avoided at all times, according to the University of Illinois McKinley Health Center. Fatty foods also aggravate symptoms of GERD. Fried fatty foods you should avoid include onion rings, french fries, tater tots, chicken fingers, fried chicken and chicken nuggets. Dishes that contain acidic foods, fat and strong spices should also be avoided because they irritate the stomach lining. For example, chili, pizza, nachos, lasagna, salsa, spaghetti, doughnuts and hot wings may induce acid reflux or GERD symptoms.
Irritants
There are several foods that may aggravate your stomach lining, exacerbating your GERD. Foods made with peppers, onions, mint and garlic should be avoided. This means you should not indulge in mint gum and candies such as spearmint and peppermint. Caffeine is also irritating to the esophagus and stomach. Foods that contain caffeine include tea, chocolate, dark-colored carbonated beverages, alcohol, hot cocoa and coffee, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Hard to Digest
Foods that your body finds difficult to digest can cause GERD symptoms to develop. Examples of these foods include broccoli, chard, cauliflower, turnips, kale and cabbage. Other high-fiber foods like corn, bran, beans, strawberries, oat bran and other whole-grain products may provoke your GERD symptoms. This occurs because foods with substantial amounts of fiber tend to leave the stomach with a full feeling for longer amounts of time. If the stomach feels full, it is often provoked to push excess content into the esophagus, which creates discomfort and GERD symptoms, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Because fiber is often beneficial for people with GERD and should not be avoided, consume fiber-rich foods in moderate portions to reduce or prevent symptoms.
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
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