Food for GERD Patients

For those who suffer from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), eating certain foods can cause an increase in discomfort. Finding a diet that you can live with that can help to reduce GERD symptoms is essential to managing this condition.

Identification

GERD occurs when there is a problem between the esophagus and the stomach. Acidic juices from the stomach can back up into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn, chest pain, ulcers, scarring of the esophagus and narrowing of the esophagus.

Causes

The exact cause of GERD is unknown, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk of suffering from this condition. These factors are hiatal hernia, pregnancy and stress. Certain foods can also make GERD symptoms much more severe.

Foods

Foods that are tomato based will usually exacerbate GERD symptoms. Other foods that can cause discomfort are citrus fruits and spicy foods. These foods are not the cause of GERD, but they can make symptoms much worse when eaten.

Diet

Many people find that following a diet plan that their doctor has outlined for them helps to control GERD symptoms and flare-ups. This usually includes a heart-healthy diet of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, fat-free milk, fish, poultry, lean meat and beans. It is important to consume less than 300 mg of dietary cholesterol each day and limit sodium to 2,400 mg a day. Choosing sensible portions and not overeating will help to alleviate GERD symptoms as well.

Considerations

It is possible to reduce the symptoms of GERD by eating a healthy diet, keeping portions appropriate and avoiding foods that make symptoms worse. It will also be beneficial to maintain a healthy body weight.