1. Definition of GERD
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The esophagus normally has a muscle that tightly closes the end so acid from the stomach doesn't back up into the throat. The esophagus has no special lining like the stomach to tolerate the acid. Just like everything in life, sometimes it wears out, gets weaker or works improperly. When the muscle doesn't work, the acid splashes back into the esophagus and creates problems from simple sour tastes to chest discomfort, shortness of breath and hoarseness. If this happens for a long time, the lining of the esophagus can change.
2. What the Diet Does
The diet relieves pressure on the muscle at the end of the esophagus created by distention the stomach. It also eliminates foods that often irritate the lining and the stomach and encourage acid production. Many times too much weight creates the proper environment for GERD so the diet's goal is also weight loss. Smoking, alcohol, coffee and many vice foods are not on the diet and tend to be offenders.
3. What's Best for You
Find the foods that trigger GERD for you. The amazing thing is that this differs from patient to patient. Fats overload the stomach and cause distention. Since pressure causes GERD, fat is usually not part of a GERD diet. Mint has no place in a GERD diet; even though most people tend to believe that mint settles the stomach, it can actually irritate your stomach instead. Spicy foods and coffee frequently share the spotlight for food offense. Create a journal to see which food items add to the problem. List all the foods you eat at each meal. Note at the end of the meal whether GERD occurred. You eventually see a pattern and can eliminate the offending foods.
4. Small Meals
Eat small meals when you on the GERD diet. The size of the meal causes stomach distention and pressure on the esophageal sphincter and brings GERD attacks. Never lay down immediately after eating. Let the food digest before you lay down. The muscle is tough by why make it work harder by spilling the stomach acid into it.
5. Eat Healthy
Eat healthy foods and snacks. Stop smoking. Don't eat before bedtime. Avoid tight clothing around the waist. Now if this sounds like Mom talking, she's a very smart woman. Good habits decrease the effect of GERD and the severity. Maintain a meal schedule. This schedule should include snacks. If you have constant small meals you won't be tempted to gorge yourself into a GERD attack
