Dietary changes can help relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Acid reflux occurs after eating certain foods. The burning sensation in the chest and throat, known as heartburn, results from acid reflux. You may experience a sour or bitter taste in the back of the mouth from stomach acid backup. Having acid reflux more than twice a week indicates GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. See your doctor for medical and dietary solutions.
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein helps build and repair muscles throughout the body, and it may help strengthen an esophageal muscle that protects against acid reflux, notes HealthCentral.com. The muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, can weaken and allow stomach acid to rise back up after eating. Certain foods, such as fried or fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol and coffee, can relax the esophageal muscle and trigger acid reflux. Protein may reinforce the muscle to help heal GERD. Focus on low-fat protein foods, such as lean meats, poultry without skin and fish. Fatty meats contribute to acid reflux. Choose egg whites, egg substitutes and low-fat or fat-free dairy products instead of whole-milk items.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain fiber that prevents digestive problems, which can lead to heartburn, Penn Medicine points out. Fruits and vegetables digest smoothly and rapidly during the digestive process. Include peaches, pears, bananas, apples and berries in your diet. Avoid citrus fruits, which have acidic content, if you find acid reflux increases with these foods. Most vegetables also help to heal GERD. Avoid fried and creamy style vegetables.
Whole Grains
Whole-grain foods rich in the mineral selenium may provide protection for the esophagus, reports HealthCentral.com. Frequent acid reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus over time and cause esophageal ulcers or even contribute to esophageal cancer. Whole grains give you a feeling of fullness and digest smoothly. The stomach does not require excess acid secretion for digestion, as it does with fatty foods. Whole-grains include oatmeal, oat bran, brown rice, barley and whole-wheat bread, cereal and pasta. Avoid refined grains, such as white bread and white flour, with high-fat content.
Beverages
If coffee or carbonated beverages result in acid reflux, choose decaffeinated, nonmint herbal tea, skim milk or low-fat milk and fruit juices, such as apple juice. Avoid citrus and tomato juices, which contribute to acid reflux.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- HealthCentral: Heartburn Center-Prevention
- Penn Medicine: Managing Heartburn with Diet
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
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