Bland Diet for GERD

If you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) then you're aware of the uncomfortable symptoms that it causes: a burning pain in your chest (heartburn), indigestion, and a bitter taste in your mouth. GERD occurs when the lower opening to the esophagus (the tube that runs from your mouth to your stomach) does not close properly and lets contents of the stomach rise up into the esophagus. If left untreated, GERD can cause more serious health problems. So it is important to get proper treatment from your doctor and eat a diet that will reduce the symptoms of GERD.

The GERD Diet

If you have GERD you should pay special attention to your diet. Eat a healthy diet of low-caloric, low-fat and low-sugar foods, including vegetables, lean meats and fish, whole grains, non-citrus fruits, and beans. Stay away from foods that trigger your GERD symptoms. Less than 30 percent of your daily caloric intake should come from any kind of fat; eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol-containing foods a day; limit your sodium intake to 2,400 mg a day; and eat a diet that helps you maintain a healthy weight. Visit a dietician who can help you develop a nutritious and balanced diet that won't aggravate your GERD.

Foods and Drinks You Should Avoid

Quite a number of foods and drinks can irritate the lining of the esophagus making GERD symptoms worse. Foods to avoid include: fried foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppermint, fatty foods like croissants, doughnuts, pies, cookies, ice cream, gravies, heavy cream, butter, eggs, fatty meats, lunch meats and sausages, creamy dishes and soups, spicy foods, chili and jalapeno peppers, potato chips, and chocolate. Drinks to avoid include: any kind of alcohol, coffee, fruit and tomato juices, whole milk, chocolate milk, sodas, and mint tea.

Recommended Foods and Drinks

Foods that you can eat to help heal your GERD include: plain breads, pastas, low-fat muffins and crackers, bagels, cereals and rolls; angel food and sponge cake, low-fat cookies, sherbet and Italian ice, low-fat yogurt and low-fat ice cream; low-fat dressings, low-fat cheese, margarine and vegetable oil; non-citrus fruits; lean meats, fish, shellfish, tofu, beans and peas; baked, boiled and mashed potatoes with low-fat milk, rice and pasta; fat-free soups and broths; and plain vegetables. Drinks you can have on the GERD diet include skim and low-fat milk, buttermilk, juices (non-citrus), decaffeinated and non-mint herbal teas.

Other Things You Can Do to Reduce GERD Symptoms

You should avoid any food or drink that makes your GERD symptoms worse. Eat smaller meals, and eat more frequently so you don't put pressure on the lower opening of the esophagus; don't lie down within three hours after you've eaten a meal; lift the head of your bead 6 to 8 inches by using wood blocks under the bedposts, to keep your stomach contents from rising up into your esophagus at night; and if you are overweight, lose weight to lessen the pressure on your stomach.