Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder resulting in the flow of stomach acid up into the esophagus. GERD is caused by a weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, the muscle that separates the contents of the stomach from the esophagus. The constant exposure to stomach acid damages the esophageal tissue, leading to chronic heartburn. Your doctor may recommend that you alter your diet to control symptoms. The GERD diet is low in fat, acidic foods and caffeine.
Grains, Bread and Starches
The GERD sufferer can eat all low-fat grain and starch foods including bread, rice, pasta, cereal and crackers. Fat in food lowers the LES pressure, allowing the acid to reflux into the esophagus, according to the McKinley Health Center. In addition, high-fat foods take the stomach longer to digest and increase the risk of reflux.
Fruits and Vegetables
Acidic foods, like tomatoes and citrus fruits, can aggravate your GERD symptoms, and intake should be based on tolerance, says McKinley. GERD sufferers should choose more bland fruits and vegetables such as: apples, bananas, grapes, melons, pears, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, zucchini, carrots and leafy greens. Eat your vegetables without any added fats or sauces to improve digestion and eliminate risk of GERD symptoms.
Dairy Products
Choose low-fat and nonfat milk products such as skim milk, 1 percent fat milk, low-fat and nonfat yogurt and low-fat cheese. Choosing more low-fat foods will reduce your total caloric intake; losing weight can also decrease GERD symptoms.
Meats
Many meats contain high amounts of fat and calories. Choose lean cuts to limit your fat intake and prevent reflux symptoms. Lean meat choices for the GERD sufferer include: skinless poultry, fish, pork chop, pork tenderloin, top sirloin, chuck shoulder, lean ground meat and 95 percent lean luncheon meats.
Fats and Oils
The Jackson/Siegelbaum Gastroenterology group recommends that you avoid or sparingly use all added fats and oils.
Sweets and Desserts
Sweets and desserts are allowed on the GERD diet, but they should contain less than 3 g fat per serving. Low-fat sweets include: angel-food cake, gingersnap cookies, gelatin and fat-free puddings. GERD sufferers should avoid all sweets containing chocolate. Chocolate contains a substance called methylxanthine, which lowers LES pressure, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.
Beverages
Beverage choices for GERD sufferers include decaffeinated herbal teas, water and nonacidic juice such as apple. Regular and decaf coffee can promote GERD symptoms and is allowed on an individual basis, according to the McKinley Health Center.
