GERD is the shortened moniker for gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is characterized by frequent and severe heartburn, acid reflux and related symptoms. People who suffer from GERD often notice worsened or sudden symptoms in response to certain foods, called "trigger foods." Almonds are not a trigger for every GERD patient, but they do have properties with the potential to aggravate the condition.
Explanation
In people with GERD, foods that are fatty or oily have a relaxing effect on the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES muscle, which normally keeps a barrier between the esophagus and stomach contents. When the muscle relaxes, stomach acid and partially digested food has the chance to flow back into the esophagus, causing pain and irritation. GERD patients typically have a number of trigger foods, not all of which have the same effect on every person.
Properties
The USDA reports that almonds have more than 200 calories and nearly 18 g fat per 1/4 cup. Nutritionally, almonds can still serve as part of a healthy diet because most of their fat content is unsaturated and they contain none of the cholesterol that meat- and dairy-based fats have. However, in terms of GERD, the source of fat does not matter; almonds still run the risk of causing the LES muscle to relax or weaken.
Prevention and Alternatives
If you have GERD, you may already know that almonds are a trigger food for you, or you may never have experienced symptoms related to almonds. Just because almonds have properties that can encourage reflux does not mean they're a trigger for everyone, so it's not necessary to eliminate them from your diet entirely until you judge your own reaction to them. However, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center does suggest avoiding all nuts if you have chronic GERD and instead, choosing fats such as vegetable-based oils and plain cream cheese. You may also find that traditional GERD remedies, such as wearing loose clothing and maintaining a healthy weight, can offer relief.
Considerations
If you suspect you may have GERD, but have not been diagnosed, speak with your physician about your concerns. Your physician or a registered dietitian can also offer individualized dietary suggestions based on your condition and let you know whether you should avoid almonds entirely or whether you can eat them in small amounts from time to time as part of a healthy, more complete diet for GERD.
