GERD
Diet: What Foods To Avoid
People suffering from Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease (GERD) should follow a GERD diet, which includes
watching what you eat and following a few simple rules that may
be helpful in reducing symptoms.
A GERD diet can significantly improve conditions in which stomach
acid backflows through the lower esophageal sphincter into the esophagus.
The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The inner
layer of the esophageal lining, which consists of numerous glands,
is not able to withstand an acidic stomach pH.
A GERD diet is fairly easy to follow. Avoid foods such as citrus,
tomato and coffee that directly irritate the mucosa. Other irritants
that should be avoided in a GERD diet include onion, chocolate,
peppermint and any food with high fat content that affect pressure
in the stomach. Limit or cut the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) that may irritate the esophagus and stomach lining.
Special GERD diet tips to follow
require the following:
- Avoid eating foods at bed time
- Avoid chewing gum
- Discontinue the use of tobacco products
- Avoid tight clothing
- East small frequent meals
- Elevate head when sleeping
- If overweight, losing weight can help
Here are a few alternative foods that to
eat while on the GERD diet. Individuals with GERD should avoid whole
milk and opt for fat free or 1%-2% milk. As mentioned above tomatoes
can be acidic so they should be avoided, all other vegetables are
ok to eat. When choosing fruits, avoid citrus such as grapefruit,
oranges and pineapples. Try to maintain a low fat diet by staying
away from fatty meats (bacon) and processed meats (cold cuts). In
general avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages. If
you must have coffee or tea opt for decaffeinated coffee or herbal
tea.
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