Acid reflux and GERD diet

GERD can be caused by lower esophageal sphincter incompetence, or the inability of the barrier between your lower esophagus and stomach to stay closed. It can also be brought about by an existing hernia, or by the inability of your esophagus to stay relaxed while digestion begins in the stomach. Because the stomach excretes acids to aid in digestion, the half-digested food will be highly acidic, and can burn tissues when the food returns to the esophagus. This sensation is often referred to as heartburn, as it occurs and is felt directly behind the ribcage.

If you have difficulty swallowing your food, frequent chest pains, coughs, ear aches, nausea, sinusitis, and changes in your voice, then you might have GERD. Heartburn is only one of the symptoms of GERD, so if you have it only once in a while, you need not worry. However, if you feel heartburn more than once or twice a week, then you will be at greater risk of developing GERD later on. You will need to consult with your doctor directly, as GERD can lead to esophageal cancer or esophageal ulcers if left untreated.

If you are diagnosed with GERD, then you will also be prescribed a GERD diet, in which you will need to avoid certain foods. A GERD diet will also require you to avoid eating large meals, which can tax on your stomach's ability to digest food immediately and push it into the intestines. You will also have to refrain from lying down or resting after a meal.

Moreover, when on a GERD diet, you will be required to avoid, at least two hours before your normal bedtime, foods that promote GERD. According to research, there are foods and lifestyle habits that promote GERD, including the following.

1. Acidic drinks and foods may promote GERD as they stimulate the stomach to excrete even more acid. Such drinks can include tea and coffee; alcohol; and large amounts of supplements containing ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C. Although recent studies have shown that such foods might not really contribute to GERD, these drinks and supplements should be avoided before bedtime as a precaution.

2. Smoking can also lower the competence of the lower esophageal sphincter and weaken the body's ability to replace damaged mucosal cells with new ones. While on a GERD diet, smoking should be avoided.

3. Intead of taking a few large meals, you may take frequent, smaller meals, as these can reduce your risk of developing GERD. Make sure that these small meals also contain fewer fats, as fats can contribute to GERD as well.

4. You may also want to eat two to three hours before going to bed. This can put you at lower risk for GERD, as you will h have little chance of doing any strenuous activity that might push acidic food back into your esophagus.

5. Sugar-free chewing gum can contain compounds that promote GERD, so you will have to avoid this during your GERD diet.

6. Some desserts have compounds that promote GERD. These can include peppermint and chocolate, the latter of which can contain large amounts of fats.

7. Although disputed by recent studies, you might also want to avoid spicy foods as a precaution.

8. Some fruits are also high in acids, and more so when they are cooked. You may want to avoid oranges or tomatoes for the meantime. If you need the extra vitamins, take such fruits fresh.

9. Some cruciferous vegetables can also promote GERD. These include cauliflower, spinach, onions, broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts.

10. You will also need to stay away from high calcium, high fat foods, such as milk and other dairy products.

This is by no means a complete list of foods to avoid while on a GERD diet, and neither is it an imperative for all GERD sufferers to avoid these foods. According to experts, people who suffer from GERD should determine exactly which foods bother them, and select which ones to avoid.

If you would like to find out more about the effective and proven methods of treating acid reflux and GERD, please check out the section on recommended cures below.