GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is a chronic disorder, extending over a period of time. The disease results from stomach acids flowing back, or refluxing, into the esophagus and causing inflammation. Symptoms of GERD include frequent heartburn, dry cough and abdominal pain. Obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, hiatal hernia and smoking may contribute to the development of GERD, reports MayoClinic.com. GERD may lead to complications such as narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulcers and Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition. Drug therapy and lifestyle changes may help improve your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve with lifestyle modification and medicines, surgery may be needed.
High-Fiber Diet
A high fiber diet may help prevent and control GERD. Foods high in fiber may decrease gastric acid secretion, reducing the risk of irritation and inflammation of the tissue lining the esophagus. A cross sectional study performed by El-Serag and colleagues at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center was conducted with a sample of volunteer employees. The study, published in a 2005 issue of "Gut," evaluated the participants' food intake and concluded that the quantity of dietary fiber eaten was inversely associated with the risk of GERD symptoms. To add fiber to your diet, opt for whole grain products. Whenever your symptoms permit, add more fruits and vegetables. Read the label, and choose products with 3 g or more of fiber per serving.
Irritant-Free Diet
The lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, prevents food and acid from backing up from the stomach into the esophagus. Some foods may decrease esophageal sphincter pressure, resulting in opening of the sphincter, reflux and inflammation, according to "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care," by Sylvia Escott-Stump, RN. Food such as chocolate, coffee, mints, cinnamon, onion and garlic should be avoided. Also refrain from alcohol, spicy food, all types of pepper, juices with citric acid and citrus fruits, because these may cause irritation.
Low-Fat Diet
According to the McKinley Health Center, a high-fat meal may decrease the lower esophageal pressure and delay stomach emptying. Choose products with 3 g of fat or less per serving. Opt for vegetable oils and refrain from consuming hydrogenated fats and products such as lard, butter, pastries and desserts. Avoid processed meats such as salami, potted meat and sausage. Opt for lean protein such as fish, poultry without skin, soy and eggs. Choose skim or 1% milk and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
References
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- MayoClinic: GERD
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: GERD
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Health benefits of dietary fiber; JW Anderson, et al.; 2009
- "Gut"; Dietary intake and the risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a cross sectional study in volunteers; HB El-Serag, JA Satia, and L Rabeneck; 2005
- McKinley Health Center: The GERD Diet
