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Diet Tips for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a potentially serious condition, and if left untreated, increases your chances of developing certain types of cancers such as throat and esophageal cancer. With GERD, food and liquids in your stomach backflow or travel into the esophagus. This results in symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat, vomiting and heartburn. However, altering your eating habits and sticking to a diet can alleviate symptoms.

  1. Decrease Weight

    • Overweight individuals have a higher risk of developing chronic GERD. Fortunately, eating a low-fat diet can help to maintain a healthy body weight and control or stop reflux symptoms. Foods that contribute to weight gain include fatty foods such as fast foods and fried foods. Simple lifestyle changes such as eating healthy servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; eliminating junk foods and sugary beverages; and reading product labels and choosing fat-free or low-fat alternatives can get rid of excess weight. Additionally, daily exercise (at least 30 minutes a day) is ideal for controlling GERD.

    Eliminate Trigger Foods

    • Along with maintaining a healthy body weight, eliminating certain foods from your diet can effectively control symptoms of GERD. Everyone deals with occasional gastroesophageal reflux. However, if symptoms become persistent, it's time to assess your diet and identify possible trigger foods. Foods known to trigger GERD include caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee and teas; spicy foods; peppermint; acidic foods; fried foods; and chocolate. Stop eating these foods to see if your symptoms improve.

    Eat Smaller Meals

    • Altering the frequency of meals may also remedy GERD. Most people consume three large meals a day. However, if suffering from GERD, it's best to eat smaller meals throughout the day----perhaps four to six small meals. Thus, you're less likely to overeat (overeating can also trigger symptoms of GERD). In addition to eating smaller meals, try to eat your last meal of the day at least two to three hours before bedtime. Lying down after eating can lead to reflux and interfere with rest.

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