Madeleine Hull
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic acid reflux condition that affects about 20% of the population. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, and a bitter taste in the mouth. While medication and lifestyle changes are often recommended for treating GERD, dietary modifications play a crucial role in controlling its symptoms. Certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen GERD, while others may help alleviate the condition. Therefore, understanding the impact of diet on GERD is essential for managing this digestive disorder effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet's role in GERD | Diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux symptoms and is the first line of therapy used for people with GERD. |
| Foods to avoid | Fatty foods, fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, acidic foods, red meat, onions, beans, dried fruit, high-fat dairy products, and sugary drinks. |
| Foods to eat | Lean meats, grilled or baked chicken breasts, oatmeal, whole grain bread, brown rice, potatoes, root vegetables, egg whites, mild vegetables (e.g., lettuce, celery), bananas, ginger, and fermented foods. |
| Lifestyle changes | Maintaining a moderate weight, keeping the head raised during sleep, sipping water frequently, and avoiding chewing gum or sucking on hard candy. |
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What You'll Learn
Fatty foods and alcohol can worsen acid reflux
Fatty foods can relax the oesophageal sphincter and slow down the emptying of the stomach, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux. Fatty meats include bacon, sausage, lunch or deli meats, and red meat such as steak and filet mignon. People who experience acid reflux should opt for lean meats that are grilled, poached, broiled, or baked. High-fat dairy foods can also trigger acid reflux. People can try swapping out high-fat dairy products with low-fat alternatives. For example, low-fat cheeses such as Swiss or cottage cheese instead of high-fat cheeses such as parmesan or cream cheese.
Alcohol damages the mucus in the gastric system's lining and impairs oesophagus contractions, increasing acid reflux. It can also cause direct damage to the oesophagus and affect the functioning of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). The more alcohol a person consumes, the higher their risk of GERD. Doctors recommend that individuals suffering from GERD limit their alcohol consumption to one drink at a time and avoid drinking right before going to bed.
In addition to fatty foods and alcohol, other foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux include spicy foods, fried foods, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and acidic foods and drinks. Lifestyle changes, such as diet modifications, can help treat GERD.
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Lean meats, oatmeal, and egg whites are good alternatives
Diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux symptoms and is the first line of therapy used for people with GERD. While some foods can trigger GERD symptoms, others can help prevent and soothe acid reflux. Lean meats, oatmeal, and egg whites are good alternatives to alleviate GERD symptoms.
Lean meats
Lean meats are high in protein and low in fat, making them less likely to cause acid reflux. Examples of lean meats include chicken, turkey, fish, and seafood. When preparing lean meats, it is best to use lower-fat cooking methods such as grilling, broiling, baking, or poaching instead of frying.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a whole grain that is an excellent source of fiber. It helps to absorb stomach acid, making it less likely to flow back up into the esophagus. Oatmeal is a good alternative to other breakfast options that may trigger GERD symptoms, such as sugary cereals or fatty meats.
Egg whites
Egg whites are also high in protein and low in fat, making them a good choice for people with GERD. Egg yolks, on the other hand, are rich in fat and more likely to cause acid reflux. By sticking to egg whites, individuals with GERD can still enjoy the taste of eggs without triggering their symptoms.
In addition to these specific foods, it is recommended to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, such as the Mediterranean diet, to reduce GERD symptoms. Maintaining a moderate weight and keeping the head raised during sleep can also help minimize symptoms.
Gastroenterologists can provide comprehensive treatment plans that consider dietary, lifestyle, and medication factors to effectively manage GERD.
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Fruits and vegetables are important, but some are harmful
Diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux symptoms and is the first line of therapy used for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a long-term, regular acid reflux that can cause heartburn and tissue damage. It is a digestive disorder, and certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Fruits and vegetables are important in a GERD diet as they are low in fat and sugar and a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A 2016 study found that following a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats, was linked to a lower risk of GERD. Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets, and green vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, and green beans are recommended. Non-citrus fruits such as bananas, melons, apples, and pears are also good options.
However, some fruits and vegetables can be harmful and trigger GERD symptoms. Citrus fruits, tomato sauces, onions, and garlic should be avoided as they are common irritants. High-fat meals and fried foods decrease lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and delay stomach emptying, increasing the risk of reflux. Spicy foods and carbonated drinks can also intensify heartburn.
It is important to note that not all trigger foods affect everyone with GERD the same way. Keeping a food diary can help identify specific triggers and make the necessary dietary modifications. In addition to diet, lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery, can help treat GERD.
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Spicy foods and carbonated drinks can cause acid reflux
Diet plays a significant role in controlling acid reflux symptoms and is the first line of therapy used for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive disorder, and certain dietary and lifestyle changes can help treat many instances of the condition.
Spicy foods are known to cause acid reflux, which is when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. The oesophageal sphincter is a muscular tube that lets food pass into the stomach and then closes to block it from coming back up. Spicy foods cause the sphincter to relax, allowing food to push upward through the loosened opening and cause acid reflux.
Carbonated drinks can also lead to acid reflux. The carbon dioxide in these fizzy drinks can cause bloating, which increases pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), resulting in acid reflux. Consuming carbonated beverages may trigger acid reflux symptoms and increase the risk of developing GERD.
In addition to avoiding spicy foods and carbonated drinks, people with GERD may benefit from other dietary changes. These include eating foods with a high pH, which can help offset strong stomach acid, and choosing foods with a high water content, which can dilute and weaken stomach acid. Probiotic and prebiotic foods can also help reduce symptoms by supporting a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut.
Lifestyle changes can also help reduce GERD symptoms, such as maintaining a moderate weight and keeping the head raised during sleep. If dietary and lifestyle changes are ineffective, medication or surgery may be considered as treatment options.
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Probiotics and prebiotics can reduce GERD symptoms
Diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux symptoms and is the first line of therapy used for people with GERD. While some foods should be avoided, others can help prevent and soothe acid reflux.
Probiotics are a dietary supplement that provides your body with "good" bacteria. These good bacteria keep bad bacteria from growing, helping to prevent illness. Probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt or taken as supplements or topical creams. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are foods rich in fibre that selectively grow beneficial bacteria.
Probiotics and prebiotics may help reduce GERD symptoms. Specific probiotic strains coming from the genera L. gasseri and B. bifidum can help treat GERD and prevent heartburn symptoms due to balancing the microbiome. Lactobacillus gasseri increases pepsin, an enzyme that helps digest dietary protein, and may improve digestion and absorption. Probiotics may help with acid reflux by modulating the oesophageal microbiome. Changes in the oesophageal microbiota are associated with oesophageal diseases such as GERD. Probiotics that include bacteria strains from the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.
However, it is important to note that the evidence for the effectiveness of probiotics in treating GERD is mixed. While some studies have found that probiotics significantly reduced acid reflux, others have only noted minor improvements or no improvements at all. In addition, the contents of probiotic supplements can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so caution is advised. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
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Frequently asked questions
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic acid reflux condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, a bitter taste in the mouth, coughing, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.
Diet can often affect the symptoms of GERD. Eating certain foods can cause the oesophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the oesophagus. Fatty and fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and carbonated beverages are among the foods that may worsen GERD symptoms.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats is recommended for individuals with GERD. Lean meats, oatmeal, egg whites, chicken breast, mild vegetables such as lettuce and celery, and fermented foods containing probiotics are all good choices. Maintaining a moderate weight and keeping your head raised during sleep can also help minimise GERD symptoms.
