Gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD occurs when digestive fluids such as bile are regurgitated back up from the stomach through the lower esophageal sphincter and into the esophagus. If you've got GERD, you're familiar with the heartburn and sour taste in your mouth that this can cause. You may also have noticed that certain postural changes, such as lying down too soon after eating, can aggravate your symptoms. Also, the consumption of certain foods may trigger an outbreak of GERD. Certain fruits are known to be related to GERD symptoms.
Citrus Fruits
Acid reflux is a term used to describe the regurgitation of stomach fluids into the esophagus. If you've noticed an increase in acid reflux symptoms after your morning glass of orange, juice, it's possible that you have a GERD-related sensitivity to citrus fruits. The high acidity of these fruits can be especially irritating to the lining of the esophagus. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse warns that over the long term, chronic inflammation of your esophagus may result in esophagitis, a condition characterized by bleeding and ulcers in the lining of the esophagus. Lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines and oranges can all intensify GERD symptoms.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are technically a fruit, and an acidic one at that. If you're a GERD patient, you may experience heartburn after eating tomatoes or tomato-based sauces. This includes pizza and spaghetti sauce, ketchup, salsa, and any other product containing a high concentration of tomatoes.
If you find that your GERD symptoms worsen after eating tomatoes, it's important to avoid them as much as possible. Esophagitis due to chronic acid reflux can cause scarring of the inner lining of the esophagus, narrowing of the esophagus and the development of precancerous cells known as Barrett's esophagus. The fact that chronic GERD can lead to esophageal cancer is testament to the importance of managing the symptoms of this disease.
Keeping Track
Your doctor can supply you with a list of potential GERD-triggering foods that you may wish to avoid, but the University of Illinois McKinley Health Center suggests keeping a journal to help you determine which foods exacerbate your symptoms. One week of writing down what you've eaten, the time, and any symptoms that result will help you gain a fuller awareness of how your body tolerates various foods.
References
- University of Illinois McKinley Health Center: The GERD Diet
- San Francisco State University Student Health Center: Relief for GERD
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Womenshealth.gov: Health Tip: Things That may Cause or Worsen GERD
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