Fish oil from fish and supplements may help relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD. Experiencing acid reflux more than two times a week indicates GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Acid reflux causes the burning sensation of heartburn in your upper chest and throat. You may also have a sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth. A low-fat, high-fiber diet helps reduce or eliminate symptoms, but check with your doctor for dietary and medical advice on your particular condition.
Causes and Triggers
Acid reflux may arise from heavy meals, which delay stomach emptying. The stomach requires excess acid for digestion. Certain foods also trigger acid reflux by relaxing a muscle in the esophagus. The ring-like muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, usually opens as contents enter the stomach and then closes. A relaxed muscle does not close properly and allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. You may have your own specific trigger foods, but common offenders include fried or fatty foods, tomato-based products, whole-milk products, citrus fruits, chocolate, carbonated beverages and caffeine.
Digestive Health
Cold-water fish works effectively in a diet for GERD patients, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Examples of cold-water fish include tuna, salmon, herring, halibut and mackerel. These fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which provide heart-healthy benefits and may help decrease inflammation. Fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids aid digestive health to help decrease the risk of acid reflux.
Reducing Fat Intake
Fish are usually lower in saturated fat than red meat or poultry. Acid reflux diets often include fish, lean meat and skinless poultry to reduce fat intake and reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Bake, broil or grill fish instead of frying so the fat drips off. Do the same with meat and poultry.
Acid Reflux Diet
Items that round out an acid reflux diet include non-citrus fruit, vegetables and whole grains, such as bread, pasta, high-fiber cereal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal and oat bran. Consume fresh, steamed or lightly cooked vegetables and avoid fried or creamy style vegetables. Avoid fatty additives with your meals. Instead of butter, use olive oil when cooking or preparing meals. Olive oil contains healthy unsaturated fats. Dress your fish with lemon or herbs. Replace whole-milk products with low-fat or nonfat dairy items, such as skim milk or low-fat milk and low-fat or nonfat yogurt. You can enjoy sweets in a GERD diet, but limit snacks and desserts to 3 g fat per serving or less, Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology advises.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; September 2009
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
Member Comments