Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a condition where you experience frequent heartburn and indigestion symptoms multiple times per week. GERD symptoms are caused by a backup of stomach acid into your esophagus, which radiates pain into your chest, neck and throat. GERD symptoms can be triggered by the foods that you eat, so understand what foods aggravate GERD symptoms and what type of diet is best for GERD.
Foods To Avoid
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, there are certain foods that are known to cause GERD symptoms, so keep these foods off the menu. Avoid fatty foods, foods with tomato sauces such as pizza and spaghetti, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, tea, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Other foods to avoid include citrus fruits, fruit juices and spicy foods. Meat and animal products such as dairy contain high amounts of saturated fat and its best that these are limited in your diet. You also need to limit your intake of processed and fast foods, because they are high in saturated and trans fats.
What You Should Eat
If you have GERD, your menu is not a whole lot different from a traditional healthy diet. Your menu should include a variety of vegetables and some fruits as the main source of essential nutrition and should make up the majority of your diet. You also need to eat whole grains, nuts and seeds because they contain healthy fiber that can improve your digestion.
Meal Planning Tips
To further avoid symptoms of GERD, don't exercise, bend or twist right after eating a meal. This can cause the muscle that keeps your stomach contents contained to weaken and allow the stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Avoid lying down or going to bed for at least two to three hours after eating, allowing your food partially digest and keep your symptoms from getting worse. Also, eat smaller meals, which will help your body more quickly digest the food.
Considerations
There is no specific GERD diet, because different foods trigger symptoms in each person. Your menu should include healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains that supply the essential nutrients without aggravating your symptoms. Other tips include avoiding tight fitting clothing, smoking and excess stress because they can lead to an increase in symptoms. If you are not able control your symptoms with your diet, talk with your doctor about other options for treatment.
