GERD Diet Menu

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux as it is commonly known, is a disorder of the stomach muscles. It is one of the most common conditions experienced by many people all over the world. It is not a serious disorder and can be treated if effective treatment is undertaken.

Causes and Symptoms of GERD
GERD is caused due to improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles. Due to this abnormal functioning, the acid in the stomach seeps back into the esophagus and to the throat. This is known as acid reflux. Most of the time, people use the terms acid reflux and heartburn interchangeably which is incorrect. Acid reflux disease is the actual condition while heartburn is merely a symptom of it. In most of the cases, it is found that diet and dietary habits are the prominent reasons for GERD. Having larger and spicy meals or eating very late at night can result in acid reflux. On the other hand, bending or lying down immediately on having meals can also cause this condition. Similarly, smoking, obesity, alcoholism are the other significant causes of GERD.

The symptoms of acid reflux disease are discomfort in the mouth and throat, difficulty in swallowing, heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, etc. Acid reflux can be treated with the help of antacid tablets and syrups which can be gotten without prescription. However, they give temporary relief. If one needs to prevent this condition again, it is essential to follow certain diet pattern.

GERD Diet Recommendations

Foods NOT to be Included in the Diet
Following are foods to avoid when suffering from acid reflux.

• Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, oranges.
• Coffee, milk, soda and alcohol.
• Peppers, chillies, cranberry juice, onion.
• Spicy, greasy, fried and excess hot food.
• Tomatoes and all other tomato based products.
• Peppermint, chips and chocolates.
• Sausage, bacon, all fried meats, deli meat, etc.
• Ice cream and cheese.

Foods to be Included in the Diet
One may wonder whether it is safe to eat all the other foods, apart from those mentioned above? Then the answer is no! Not all foodstuffs are safe to consume. The following are foods good for acid reflux that can be safely consumed.

• Fruits and Vegetables: Apple, banana, melon, pear, peach, potato, broccoli, carrots, celery, cabbage, green peas, basil, thyme, sage, oregano, all types of beans, etc.
• Grains: Multi-grain bread, corn bread, white bread, bran, oatmeal, graham crackers, pretzels, brown or white rice, rice cakes, etc.
• Meat and Dairy: Eggs, egg white, chicken breast, fish, steak, fat-free versions of cheese and cream, etc.

You can include any of these foodstuffs in your daily diet for some days and see the difference. However, along with these diet changes, it is also essential to bring a change in dietary habits in order to prevent acid reflux or GERD. Firstly, it is essential to have smaller meals and also avoid having larger and spicy meals, specially at night. Secondly, abstaining from alcoholism and smoking can also help in prevention of this condition. Thirdly, it is very important to maintain a proper and healthy weight if one wishes to get rid of these health conditions.

Pregnant women and people suffering from any chronic disease must consult the doctor before following the GERD diet menu. Lastly, if one experiences any other symptoms along those mentioned above, it is better to consult the doctor immediately, as this can be a symptom of some other underlying cause. Take care!