If you suffer from chronic reflux, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), diet and other lifestyle changes can help lessen your symptoms. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), reflux occurs when contents from the stomach rise into the esophagus. It may cause symptoms of heartburn, or acid indigestion.
GER and GERD
According to the NIDDK, occasional gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common and does not mean that you have GERD. A valve between the esophagus and stomach---called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)---opens spontaneously or doesn't close properly and food, along with digestive acids, reflux back into the esophagus. Stomach acid irritating the lining of the esophagus may cause a burning sensation. Persistent reflux occurring more than twice a week is considered GERD. Instead of heartburn, some people have a dry cough, asthma symptoms or trouble swallowing.
Diet Recommendations
Certain foods and beverages can contribute to reflux, often by causing the LES to relax. According to the Iowa Dietetic Association's diet manual, these include chocolate, coffee and other highly caffeinated beverages, peppermint and other mint flavorings, fatty and fried foods, spicy foods, tomato products, like spaghetti sauce, chili, salsa and pizza, and orange and other citrus fruits. The NIDDK additionally lists garlic and onions. Individuals vary in their responses to specific foods. Be aware of the foods that can worsen symptoms and monitor your individual response to them.
Lifestyle Changes
The NIDDK recommends several lifestyle changes to improve symptoms of GER. If you smoke, stop smoking. Tobacco increases stomach acid production, relaxes the LES and decreases saliva production, which is the body's main buffer to stomach acid. Avoid drinking alcohol. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Lose weight if needed. Eat small, frequent meals and avoid overeating. Do not lie down for three hours after a meal. Raise the head of your bed six to eight inches.
When to Seek Help
Chronic, untreated GERD can lead to serious complications due to stomach acid damage to the lining of the esophagus. According to the NIDDK, these include bleeding or ulcers, scar tissue that causes narrowing of the esophagus and swallowing difficulty, and Barrett's esophagus, abnormal cells that can lead to cancer. If you have had GERD symptoms and have been using antacids or other reflux medications for more than two weeks, you should see your health care provider.
References
- NDDIC: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Iowa Dietetic Association; "Simplified Diet Manual"; 2007.
