Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition characterized by the escape of stomach acids, particularly hydrochloric acid, into your esophagus. It typically causes heartburn, which is an intense burning sensation in your chest or throat. it may also cause swallowing difficulties, vomiting and nausea. Several components of a raw food diet may help alleviate the symptoms of this condition. Talk to your doctor before switching to a raw food diet to address GERD symptoms.
Raw Vegetables
Increase your intake of raw vegetables to reduce the severity and frequency of GERD attacks, advises Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Raw vegetables such as broccoli, spinach leaves, kale, carrots, cauliflower and sweet peppers are rich sources of fiber, which may bind to hydrochloric acid in your stomach. This may help prevent the escape of hydrochloric acid into your esophagus. These vegetables are also sources of vitamin A, which is necessary for the repair of esophageal tissues.
Antioxidant Fruits
Adding antioxidant fruits to your diet may help alleviate GERD symptoms, according tot he University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). These include cherries, tomatoes, blueberries, pomegranates, strawberries, kiwi fruit and papayas. Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the supply of oxygen to free radicals, which are unstable molecules that accumulate from environmental toxins, cigarette smoke and food chemicals. Oxygen allows these molecules to damage the lining of your digestive tract and esophagus, worsening pain and burning sensations associated with GERD.
Sprouted Grains and Legumes
Sprout grains and legumes such as wheat, barley, chickpeas, mung beans and lentils by soaking them overnight, then rinsing and letting them stand at room temperature until sprouts form. You can place the grains and legumes in a food processor with enough water to form a paste, then spread the paste on parchment paper and dehydrate to make flatbreads. Grains and legumes are rich sources of B-vitamins, which may help reduce GERD symptoms, according to UMMC. Like raw vegetables, these foods are also high in fiber.
Pineapple
Eat fresh pineapple as a sweet treat after meals. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which may improve digestion, according to Balch. This may reduce the production of stomach acids, which decreases the risk of these acids entering your esophagus. Avoid canned and frozen versions -- freezing and canning may destroy bromelain.
Considerations
Although a raw food diet may help alleviate GERD symptoms, you may sacrifice convenience when switching to this diet. Some raw foods, such as flatbreads and pizza crusts, require extensive preparation that can take two to three days. Few restaurants in the United States offer raw options.Also, some nutrients such as calcium and cobalamin are not readily available in raw plant-based foods, so you may need to consider taking supplements to prevent deficiencies of these nutrients.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- "Precription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
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