If you have frequent heartburn and indigestion, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, over 60 million Americans have these symptoms at least once a month. GERD can cause pain and quality of life issues for many people. The National Library of Medicine states that GERD can occur at any age and can lead to more serious problems. Common treatments include over-the counter medicines. Surgery is necessary in some cases. Other more conservative approaches that can help your symptoms involve specific diet and nutrition habits.
GERD
GERD is a condition in which the esophagus does not close properly, which causes stomach contents to leak back into the esophagus and irritate it. This leads to heartburn and indigestion symptoms that can be quite painful. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, the many causes of GERD symptoms include pregnancy, eating large fatty meals, lying down after meals, smoking, being overweight, medication and eating certain foods and drinks.
Significance of Diet
Certain foods and dietary habits can cause GERD symptoms. What you eat and how you eat it are significant to preventing and managing the symptoms. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the foods that commonly cause GERD symptoms include citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, fatty and fried foods and spicy foods. Mint flavored foods, onions, garlic and tomato based foods also tend to cause the symptoms.
Recommendations
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, lifestyle changes like quiting smoking, losing weight and wearing loose fitting clothing can help reduce GERD. Raising the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches employs gravity to help keep the stomach contents down.
Prevention
Although no specific GERD nutrition guidelines exist, the National Library of Medicine suggests avoiding alcohol as well as spicy, fatty or acidic foods. Eating small frequent meals and avoiding foods that aggravate your symptoms may help, too.
Considerations
Anatomical abnormalities may be the cause of GERD in some people. You can have GERD without having heartburn. In these cases, symptoms may include a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble with swallowing. If you have heartburn more than twice per week, inform your doctor.
References
- American College of Gastroenterology: Heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- The National Library of Medicine: GERD
- The National Library of Medicine: Heartburn
- The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
