Worst Foods for GERD

Living with gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux, frequently called GERD, is painful and can contribute to complications such as esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus if the reflux persists. GERD is caused by overeating or consuming certain foods, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Either action can provoke the lower esophageal sphincter to malfunction, allowing digestive acids and foods to back flow into the esophagus and damage its lower lining. The first step in treatment is to identify which foods aggravate your GERD symptoms.

Tomatoes

With GERD, MayoClinic.com suggests avoiding tomatoes and all tomato-based products, which contain high acidity levels that can worsen reflux symptoms. Upon consumption, tomatoes form acidic conditions in the stomach, which enhance the production of digestive acids that occasionally back flow into regions of the lower esophagus area, causing painful GERD symptoms.

Sweets

Mint, peppermint, spearmint, cocoa and chocolate are not tolerated by GERD sufferers, reports FamilyDoctor.org. Mint triggers the esophageal sphincter to reduce its functions, allowing stomach contents to regurgitate into the esophagus and worsening GERD symptoms, according to the McKinley Health Center. Cocoa and chocolate produce the same digestive effects on the esophageal sphincter, causing acids to reflux and weaken. Most chocolate also contains caffeine, which creates additional irritation in the digestive lining because the ingredients produce acids.

Spices and Condiments

GERD patients should avoid hot sauce, pepper, chilies and spicy foods of all kinds, advises the McKinley Health Center. With continued use, these foods may damage the lower esophageal lining. In his book "Alkalize or Die," Dr. Theodore A. Baroody advises that GERD suffers eliminate condiments such as white vinegar from their diet, due to the high acid content that produces damage to stomach linings and the esophagus.