Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD is a condition where the muscles encircling the lower portion of your esophagus do not contract tightly. As your stomach mixes the food and liquid you have consumed with acids that enable digestion, some of the mixture escapes back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn. According to MedlinePlus, other, lesser-known symptoms of GERD include coughing, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, hiccups, hoarseness or other changes in voice, sore throat and regurgitation of food. Eating certain foods may help treat your GERD.
Fruits and Vegetables
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans identify fruits and vegetables among the "food groups to encourage," because most Americans do not consume enough. For people with GERD, fruits and vegetables are low in fats that contribute to GERD by stimulating acid secretion. University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine specialist Rian Podein, M.D., writes that flavonoids in fruits and vegetables fight Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori -- a species of bacteria that enhances acid secretion independent of fat consumption. Among fruits and vegetables, Podein specifically suggests consuming broccoli or broccoli sprouts at least two times a week. As for fruits and vegetables that are bad for people with GERD, Podein lists just two: citrus fruits and tomato products.
Lean Meat, Poultry and Fish
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans say most Americans consume enough protein. However, protein foods that work well for most Americans -- such as dairy products, soy foods, peanuts and tree nuts -- do not work for people with GERD. For people with GERD, Carol Ann Rinzler, M.A., and Ken DeVault, M.D., authors of the 2004 edition of "Heartburn and Reflux for Dummies," suggest lean cuts of meat, poultry and fish. The preservatives in some cured meats, poultry and fish may trigger GERD symptoms, so you should stick to fresh or frozen options. Cooking methods also count. Bake, broil, stew or braise rather than fry, and watch out for fatty sauces.
Grains
You should obtain the bulk of your calories from grains, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Whole grains are the best for general health. However, they linger in the stomach longer than refined grains. Choose to eat whole grains during the morning and afternoon hours. In the evening, when GERD symptoms tend to worsen for most people, or when your GERD is actively symptomatic, refined grains such as white rice, white bread, crackers and pasta are better to eat. As with protein foods, preparation methods count. Enjoy bread and crackers with low-fat spreads such as jam or fat-free cream cheese instead of peanut butter, butter or full-fat cheese. Flavor pasta and rice with broth instead of tomato, cheese or cream sauces.
Chewing Gum
Rinzler and DeVault suggest one other food strategy for people with GERD: chewing gum. These experts say that chewing sugarless gum after meals keeps saliva flowing. Saliva, in turn, washes away acids before they have a chance to attack the esophagus. Podein recommends chewing gum made from mastic. Mastic gum is made from the leaves and stems of the Pistacia lentiscus tree, native to Mediterranean countries. As with flavonoids, mastic gum fights H. pylori.
References
- MedlinePlus: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
- University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- "Heartburn and Reflux for Dummies"; Carol Ann Rinzler, M.A., and Ken DeVault, M.D.; 2004
