Diet plays a vital role in avoiding symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD. Medication, such as antacids or over-the-counter and prescription acid reducers, provide temporary relief. GERD sufferers experience frequent acid reflux and heartburn, the burning sensation in the chest and throat. Acid regurgitation may occur, causing a sour taste in the back of the mouth. Dietary changes can reduce or even eliminate symptoms when a GERD diet becomes part of your daily routine.
Meals
The GERD diet from the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign focuses on reducing total fat intake and large meals. High-fat meals and fried foods can relax an esophageal muscle, allowing stomach acid to rise back up into the esophagus. Heavy meals cause slow digestion, making the stomach use excess acid and increasing the risk of acid reflux.
Breakfast
A sample breakfast under the GERD diet recommended by the McKinley Health Center includes ¾ cup whole-grain cereal, ½ banana and 2 slices whole-wheat toast with 1 tsp. margarine and 2 tbsp. jelly or jam. Drink ½ cup apple juice and 1 cup skim milk. Tea or decaffeinated tea can replace coffee.
Lunch
A cup of vegetable soup with four saltine crackers accompanies a 3-oz, lean beef patty on a hamburger bun with 1 tbsp. reduced-calorie mayonnaise, 1 tbsp. mustard and lettuce. Fruit salad, ½ cup, should not include citrus fruit.
Dinner
A sample dinner starts with 4 oz. green salad with 1 tbsp. vinegar-and-oil dressing. The meal may include 3 oz. broiled skinless chicken, ½ cup brown rice, ½ cup steamed broccoli, a whole-grain roll with 1 tbsp. margarine, ½ cup low-fat frozen yogurt and 1 medium apple.
Snacks and Desserts
Sample snacks under the diet include four graham crackers and 1 cup skim milk. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends fat-free or low-fat sweets and desserts that have 3 g or less fat per serving instead of chocolate or desserts made with oils and fats. Substitute carbonated and caffeinated beverages with decaffeinated, nonmint herbal teas and fruit juices, except those containing citrus.
Know Your Triggers
Common foods that relax the esophageal muscle and trigger acid reflux include chocolate, coffee, alcohol, mint, carbonated beverages, citrus juices and tomato products. However, you may have particular triggers. The McKinley Health Center suggests keeping a detailed record for a week. Jot down the foods you eat, the time of day and the symptoms experienced. This helps you to eliminate the foods that result in acid reflux.
