Diet for GERD

GERD, abbreviation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a digestion problem in which the stomach acids and the digestive juices (bile) used for the breakdown of food, enter the food pipe (esophagus), causing heartburn (moderate to severe chest pain). As we all know the food pipe is a tube-like structure that lies between the mouth and the stomach. At the terminus of the food pipe, lies a muscular ring (Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)) that does not allow the stomach acids to travel inside the food pipe. As soon as the contents from the food pipe are emptied into the stomach, the LES closes immediately. However, certain factors can make this muscular ring inefficient, thus leading to partial closure of the food pipe. Thus, the digestive juices and the acids can easily pass into the food pipe as the LES is unable to close the food pipe effectively. This backward flow of stomach acids can cause irritation and bring considerable amount of discomfort in the form of burning sensation in the chest.

Foods to Avoid

Alcohol
Intake of alcohol has to be strictly avoided, as it can aggravate the existing chest pain. Alcohol consumption can further reduce the ability of LES to work properly, thus allowing stomach acids to easily enter the food pipe. Also, the thin mucus layer lining of the food pipe dries due to alcohol intake, causing further irritation. In this condition, even a few sip of alcohol can restrict the esophagus to perform its function of pushing food and stomach acid. Also, alcohol intake hampers saliva production, thus aggravating this digestive issue. This is because saliva plays a very important role to alleviate the effects of stomach acid in food pipe.

Caffeine
Coffee basically decreases the resting pressure of the LES, thus reducing its ability to contract properly. Proper contraction of LES is necessary to close the food pipe completely, thus preventing entry of stomach acids to the food pipe.

Spicy or Fried Foods
In order to control GERD symptoms, it is necessary to keep these foods away from the diet. In this condition, eating spicy foods can lead to frequent episodes of heartburn. Spicy or fried fruits can stimulate production of stomach acid which is likely to gain entry in the food pipe as the end muscle (LES) would not be working efficiently.

Other Foods to Avoid
High fat foods such as eggs, butter and cookies as well as vegetables like tomatoes increase stomach acidity, hence cannot be included in the diet for GERD. Tomato based products such as sauces also need to be avoided in order to get relief from GERD. Studies also show that chocolate and tea can also bring GERD symptoms. So, to be on the safer side say 'no' to these foods.

Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits can also aggravate this acid reflux problem. This is because these fruits increase stomach acid. This in turn the increases the probability of stomach acids gaining access to food pipe. Citrus foods that may trigger worsening of GERD symptoms are as follows:

• Oranges
• Pineapple
• Grapefruit
• Lemon

Foods to Include

Vegetables: When it comes to vegetables, foods that can be eaten by GERD patients are given below:

• Broccoli
• Potatoes
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Peas

Fruits: Fruits, too can contribute to ease the symptoms of GERD. Following are the foods included in this diet.

• Bananas
• Apples

Meat: Although consumption of fatty foods is not recommended, one can have cooked or steamed fish and lean meat such as skinless chicken when following this diet.

Restrict Carbohydrate Intake: A low carbohydrate diet is the key to heal this condition at the earliest. Having too many carbohydrates can cause excruciating heartburn. Doctors often say that carbohydrate restriction can help cure GERD.

Keep in mind that diet for GERD is crucial to restore normal functioning of the LES. Following this diet for a specific period of time, can surely help to get rid of this acid reflux disease.