GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic digestive disease in which the contents of the stomach flow backwards into the esophagus. The esophagus -- a muscular tube that connects the mouth and the stomach -- lacks the thick layer of mucous that protects the stomach from its own acid, so it becomes irritated and inflamed. MayoClinic.com says that most people experience this as a burning sensation in the chest that sometimes spreads to the throat or produces a sour taste in the mouth. However, your symptoms may vary. Therapy for GERD begins with nutrition.
Food Choices
In his 2007 book, "Integrative Medicine," University of Wisconsin professor David Rakel, M.D. says that alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint and cow's milk promote GERD by relaxing the muscles in the lower part of the esophagus. Orange juice, tomatoes and spices -- especially black pepper, chili powder, cloves, curry and fresh garlic -- may irritate the esophagus as they travel to the stomach. Fats stimulate acid secretion more than other foods, and they linger in the stomach.
Weight Management
According to Rakel, obese and overweight people are more likely to suffer GERD than their normal weight counterparts. Among obese and overweight people, apple-shaped people who store most of their fat in their trunks tend to suffer more severe symptoms than pear-shaped people who store most of their fat in their hips and legs. Rakel explains that excess weight increases pressure within the abdomen, increasing the likelihood that food and acid will be squeezed back into the esophagus. If you are obese or overweight, try to lose 1 or 2 pounds per week until you reach a healthy weight.
Timing
In their 2004 book, "Heartburn and Reflux for Dummies," writer Carol Ann Rinzler, M.A. and gastroenterologist Ken DeVault, M.D. say that timing is key for meals and snacks. GERD symptoms often flare at night. Rinzler and DeVault suggest that you stick to small meals and snacks in the evening and reserve large meals for daytime hours. In addition, you should refrain from eating anything at all in the two to three hours before you go to bed because when you lie down to go to bed, stomach contents no longer have to fight gravity in order to reach the esophagus.
Portion Size
Rinzler and DeVault also emphasize portion control. Smaller portions favor weight loss for those who need to lose weight. Those who do not need to lose weight should consume small portions more frequently. Large meals meals cause bigger increases in intrabdominal pressure. The stomach also requires longer to digest them, extending the duration of GERD symptoms.
Considerations
Rinzler and DeVault also emphasize portion control. Smaller portions favor weight loss for those who need to lose weight. Those who do not need to lose weight should consume small portions more frequently. Large meals meals cause bigger increases in intrabdominal pressure. The stomach also requires longer to digest them, extending the duration of GERD symptoms.
Warnings
Nutrition therapy does not replace medications or other treatments for GERD. If you have GERD, you should always attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor and be sure to let her know if you continue to experience symptoms despite diet changes. Left untreated, MayoClinic.com says that GERD can cause serious complications such as bleeding, breathing problems and a condition known as Barrett's esophagus that may be a precursor to esophageal cancer.
References
- MayoClinic.com: GERD: Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: GERD: Complications
- "Heartburn and Reflux for Dummies"; Carol Ann Rinzler, M.A. and Ken DeVault, M.D.; 2004
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
