Gastric Reflux Diet

Gastric reflux disease, also called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), happens when the stomach's acidic contents move back up through the esophagus, rather than flowing downward into the intestines. The most common symptom is heartburn, along with nausea, chest pain and sore throat. Gastric reflux is quite common. It happens most often when the patient has finished eating, is lying down flat or bends over. GERD is controlled with medication, taking precautions to avoid lying down after eating and the proper diet. Although people with GERD react differently to different foods, many find following a general GERD diet helps.

Diet Journal

Following a GERD diet not only helps prevent symptoms, but it also stops the continual irritation of the lining of the esophagus, which is already sensitive and inflamed. Many doctors suggest patients keep a diet journal to determine exactly which foods cause problems, since there is no one diet to put an end to gastric reflux. After keeping a diet journal for a few weeks, where they record all food eaten and GERD symptoms experienced, patients can easily identify the foods and drinks causing problems.

Skip the Fat

Meals high in fat often cause GERD symptoms. High fat and fried foods slow down the performance of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally allows food to pass through it down to the stomach and then constricts so acid can't flow back up into the esophagus. When the LES pressure decreases, acid easily refluxes back into the esophagus. Chocolate is another food that decreases LES pressure. Many reflux patients find this is a favorite food they need to avoid.

Citrus Fruits

Some foods that are considered healthy can cause GERD symptoms. Citrus fruits are well-known as foods that can aggravate gastric reflux. Patients usually find they do better to eat non-citrus fruits, such as bananas and apples. Tomatoes, considered by many to be a super food, can cause symptoms, although many patients find they can tolerate raw tomatoes, but suffer GERD when they eat cooked tomatoes. Spicy foods, which often contain tomatoes, can cause problems. Other spicy foods that seem to cause gastric reflux symptoms are onions and garlic.

Beverages

Some beverages can affect GERD. Coffee, carbonated sodas, alcoholic drinks and citrus juices are well-known culprits. Some reflux patients react to the caffeine in coffee, while others find they can tolerate coffee well. For some GERD patients, it is the acid in the coffee, rather than the caffeine, that causes the problem. Low-acid coffee is available at the grocery store.

Weight Loss

Following a low-fat diet in general seems to improve gastric reflux. Many GERD patients are overweight. Avoiding large meals and decreasing caloric intake will help a person lose weight and will usually improve gastric reflux symptoms.