GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a disorder of the esophageal sphincter. GERD causes the muscle which protects the passageway from the stomach to the esophagus to relax, allowing acid and food particles from the stomach to re-enter the esophagus. This results in the heartburn commonly associated with GERD. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends dietary and lifestyle adjustments as the first step in treating GERD.
Menu Considerations
There is no right or wrong diet for those with GERD, according to the University of Illinois' McKinley Health Center. You should follow a healthy, balanced diet and tailor your menu to your specific needs, based on which foods you can tolerate. It may help to keep a journal of the foods you eat, paying careful attention to jot down exactly what you ate, the time and any associated symptoms.
Safe Vegetables
Vegetables which are mild in flavor, acidity and spice are likely to be the best-tolerated for GERD sufferers. Vegetables such as romaine or iceberg lettuce, potatoes, eggplant, peas, celery and sweet bell peppers are best. Review cookbooks and online recipe sources for different ways to include these in your weekly menu. Salads, stuffed peppers and grilled vegetable kabobs are some options.
Spicy Foods
Foods that are extremely spicy can cause GERD flare-ups. Any hot peppers, such as jalapeno or habenero peppers, or dishes that include these, such as chili, are probably best avoided. In addition, it may help to avoid adding any spicy seasonings, such as hot sauce, Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper, as a flavoring to food.
Prepare Vegetables Correctly
The San Francisco State University Student Health Center recommends avoiding high-fat foods. These can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, adding to the acid reflux associated with GERD. If you tend to add cheesy or cream-based sauces to vegetables or lots of butter, cut back. Try seasoning your vegetables with fresh herbs, like dill or cilantro. Also, avoid frying vegetables, as this can add extra fat, which may upset your digestive tract.
Problem Vegetables
For the most part, foods that irritate the digestive tract are those that are acidic or have strong flavors. Vegetables with a high acid content are commonly not well-tolerated, as these can add to the acidity of the upper GI tract. It may help to steer clear of tomatoes or tomato-based sauces. Vegetables like garlic or onions may also contribute to gastric distress. As many dishes contain these vegetables as additives, but in small quantities, monitor what you eat and how your system tolerates it.
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