Diet and Nutrition for GERD
Acid reflux occurs when there is acid backflow from the stomach into the esophagus. This happens commonly but can cause complications or troublesome symptoms, such as heartburn.
The foods you eat affect the amount of acid your stomach produces. Eating the right kinds of food is key to controlling acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a severe, chronic form of acid reflux.
FOODS NOT RECOMMENDED (CAUTION)
** Peppermint and spearmint
** Chocolate
** Alcohol
** Caffeinated beverages (regular tea, coffee, colas, energy drinks, other caffeinated soft drinks)
** Pepper, spicy foods and hot sauce
** High-fat foods, including: Reduced-fat (2%) milk, whole milk, cream, high-fat cheeses, high-fat yogurt, chocolate milk
** Fried meats, high fat meats like bacon, sausage, pepperoni, salami, bologna, frankfurters/hot dogs
** Other fried foods (doughnuts, French toast, French fries, deep-fried vegetables)
** Nuts and nut butters
** Pastries and other high-fat desserts
** More than 8 teaspoons of oil, butter, shortening per day
** Any vegetables that cause symptoms (Tomatoes, tomato sauce)
** Any fruits that cause symptoms. (Citrus, kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, etc.)
FOODS RECOMMENDED (YES!)
** Dairy- Buttermilk, Evaporated skim, milk, Fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk, Soy milk, Nonfat or low-fat yogurt, Powdered milk, Nonfat or low-fat cheeses, Low-fat ice cream, Sherbet
** Meats and Proteins- Tender, well-cooked lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or soy prepared without added fat, all beans and peas, nut butters (if tolerated)
** Vegetables- Any prepared without added fat. Eat a variety of vegetables, especially green and orange ones.
** Fruits- Any prepared without added fat. Eat a variety of fruits.
** Fats- Limit to less than 8 teaspoons per day; heart-healthy vegetable oils such as olive or canola oil.
** Beverages- Water, Caffeine-free herbal teas except those made with peppermint or spearmint
LIFESTYLE TIPS
** Wear loose-fitting clothes.
** Do not smoke.
** Raise the head of your bed 6 to 9 inches. You can put a foam wedge under the top part of the mattress or prop up the legs on the head of the bed with wooden blocks. (Stacking pillows may not be effective.)
** Wait 3 hours after eating before lying down.
** Eat several small meals throughout the day.
** Eat in a calm, relaxed place. Sit down while you eat.
** Test new foods in small amounts to determine if you tolerate them.