Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic digestive disorder characterized by heartburn and acid reflux --- the regurgitation of stomach acid into your esophagus. In addition to not smoking, avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms and doctor-prescribed medical treatments, MayoClinic.com recommends a nutritious diet that supports weight management as useful remedies for GERD symptoms. Certain foods may provide exceptional healing benefits. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide valuable amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, tomatoes and squash, may help reduce symptoms of GERD. Since fruits and vegetables are rich in water and fiber, yet relatively low in calories, they also support weight management and provide nutritious alternatives to processed snack foods. For optimum benefits, consume a variety of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables, which tend to provide the most antioxidants, regularly. In addition to berries, tomatoes and squash, bell peppers, spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli, citrus fruits, papaya, cantaloupe, apples, plums and sweet potatoes provide ample antioxidant benefits.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber, which promotes healthy digestive processes. As low-glycemic carbohydrate options, whole grains enhance blood sugar balance and appetite control. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that people with GERD consume whole grains to reap significant amounts of B vitamins. Whole grains also provide healthy alternatives to refined carbohydrates such as enriched breads, pasta and snack foods. Incorporate a variety of whole grains, such as whole wheat, brown rice, wild rice, popcorn, quinoa and oats, into your diet regularly for the broadest nutritional benefits. Seek the least processed versions of whole grain, prepared foods, such as 100 percent whole grain or sprouted bread in place of wheat bread, and steel-cut oats in place of instant oatmeal, most often.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish provide significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids --- essential fats associated with positive heart health. Regular consumption of omega-3 fats may help reduce inflammation associated with GERD. Numerous fish varieties contain omega-3 fats including albacore tuna, flounder, lake trout, salmon, halibut, herring, sardines and mackerel. For optimum heart health, the American Heart Association recommends eating fish, preferably fatty fish, at least 2 to 3 times per week. To keep your saturated fat intake low, select low-fat cooking method such as grilling in light amounts of olive oil, baking, steaming or broiling. If you do not consume fish regularly, ground flaxseed, walnuts, walnut oil and canola oil may provide similar benefits.
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