Sample GERD Diet

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is characterized by heartburn and a burning sensation all the way up the esophagus. GERD is caused by a weakened muscle (the lower esophageal sphincter) at the base of the esophagus. This muscle usually keeps food and stomach acid in the stomach, but when it become weak, it can allow stomach acid back into the esophagus. There are many treatments for GERD, but one of the simplest things you can do to relieve symptoms is adjust your diet.

Basic Dietary Guidelines

Doctors at the McKinley Health Center at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recommend you start by reducing the amount of fat you eat. Fatty foods stay in your stomach longer and can decrease the pressure that keeps your esophagus closed.

Also avoid large meals. Instead of three large meals per day, split them into five smaller meals to limit the amount of food in your stomach. More food in your stomach increases the pressure on your esophagus muscle from below, which can cause acid to be pushed back up your esophagus.

Sometimes GERD can be caused by obesity. If you're overweight, start a weight loss plan immediately. That extra weight you're carrying may be pressing on your lower esophageal sphincter.

Food Irritants

Some foods are very acidic and can irritate your GERD. Doctors at Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology in Pennsylvania say you should avoid any food which causes your GERD to worsen. Common irritants include citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate and whole milk.

The same diet won't work for all GERD patients. Some food irritants may increase symptoms for some patients, while they may not bother others. Creating your own GERD diet is as easy as keeping a journal. If you're having a hard time pinning down which foods irritate your disease, write down eveything you eat and how you feel afterward. Start with the most common food irritants and see if you have symptoms after you eat them. Eliminate these foods one by one until you have a list of foods you should avoid.

Other Tips

You can also relieve your GERD symptoms with a few other lifestyle changes. Avoid lying down during or after meals. Let gravity help your food stay in your stomach naturally.

Smoking can irritate your esophagus, so you may find relief if you quit. Also chewing gum may reduce GERD symptoms by producing more saliva. Mint can be a food irritant, so avoid mint-flavored gum.