Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition of chronic acid reflux (heartburn), where chronic is defined as more than two episodes of heartburn per week. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly, allowing acid and stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus. This causes the symptoms of gastric (stomach) pain and burning, burning or pain in the lower chest behind the sternum, and sore throat or cough. The National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse mentions several types of foods and other substances that can aggravate GERD.
Acids and Fatty Foods
There are many foods that are acidic, and they worsen GERD symptoms when eaten. Foods such as tomatoes, tomato paste, oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits and other citrus fruits are all acidic and should be avoided.
Fatty foods also aggravate GERD symptoms. Fried fatty foods that should be avoided include french fries, onion rings, Tater Tots, chicken nuggets or fingers, corn dogs and fried chicken. All of these GERD-causing food culprits can be hidden or combined in many dishes. Dishes that contain acidic foods as well as strong spices and fat should be avoided. For example, pizza, chili, salsa, nachos, spaghetti with marinara sauce, or lasagna, hot wings and donuts may induce acid reflux.
Irritants
There are many foods that irritate the gastric lining. Spicy food made from garlic, onion, peppers and mint should be avoided. This means mint candies and gum, such as peppermint and spearmint, should not be eaten. Caffeine is very irritating to the stomach and esophagus. Foods that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, chocolate, hot cocoa and sodas should all be avoided. Two other irritants to avoid when you have GERD are alcohol and smoking.
Hard to Digest
Foods that are difficult for the body to digest can also aggravate GERD symptoms. Examples of these foods include cruciferous foods like broccoli, cauliflower, chard, kale, cabbage and turnips. Other high-fiber foods like beans, corn, strawberries, bran, oat bran and whole wheat products may also aggravate GERD symptoms.
Tips
In addition to avoiding foods that increase acid reflux, there are some simple things you can do to help decrease GERD symptoms, the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse says. Do not eat for at least three hours before bedtime. Eat small meals throughout the day rather than two or three large meals. Do not recline or bend over for one to two hours after eating. Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches to help reduce acid reflux. It is beneficial to lie on your left side rather than your right as this reduces the amount of acid that can rise up your esophagus. Eliminating many of the listed foods would mean a very bland diet. To be able to enjoy these foods and to keep your GERD symptoms under control, eat small amounts of these foods occasionally rather than large amounts at one time.
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