Where to Get Recipes for People With GERD

GERD, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease, is the chronic condition of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid, or even bile, backs up into the esophagus (the pipe that carries food). Acid reflux and the resulting symptom of heartburn are experienced by most people at some point in their lives. However if these conditions persist and occur at least twice a week, doctors diagnose the condition as GERD. GERD and the resulting symptoms can be controlled by diet, so it is important to cook with ingredients that will not irritate the condition further.

Symptoms

• One main symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning or warming feeling behind the breastbone caused by the acid damaging the esophagus lining. GERD patients may also experience chest pain, difficulty swallowing, dry cough and sore throat. It is not uncommon to have the feeling of food or sour liquid being regurgitated into the throat.

Complications

• If the symptoms of GERD are not treated or controlled, it can lead to further complications. Exposure of stomach acid to the lining of the esophagus leads to the buildup of scar tissue. This scar tissue narrows the esophagus, which can cause problems in swallowing. The stomach acid can also lead to an esophageal ulcer, which is an open sore that may bleed and cause pain. GERD can also lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition where the esophagus undergoes changes in color and composition. This condition is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Diet

• The most important factor for controlling GERD is to eat a healthful and maintain a healthful weight. Overweight people are at an increased risk of developing GERD. Although individuals may have specific foods that trigger their GERD symptoms, the most common triggers are fatty or fried foods, garlic, chocolate, mint, onion, spicy foods, tomatoes, caffeine and alcohol. When first diagnosed, it may be helpful to keep a food diary to determine which foods trigger your symptoms.

Recipes Online

• The American College of Gastroenterology offers a free weekly newsletter that includes updates, tips and recipes for controlling the symptoms of many digestive disorders, including GERD (see resource 1). In addition, there are several Web sites that specialize in providing recipes that are compatible with specific diseases. Dr. Gourmet (see resource 2) has a list of GERD safe recipes. The Better Homes and Gardens Web site also has a section (see resource 3) with recipes for GERD sufferers.

Recipes in Books

• The following books offer recipes and tips to help manage the symptoms of GERD through diet and lifestyle changes.
  "Chronic Heartburn: Managing Acid Reflux and GERD Through Understanding, Diet and Lifestyle -- Includes More than 100 Recipes" by Barbara E. Wendland, M.Sc. R.D., and Lisa Marie Ruffolo
  "Eating for Acid Reflux: A Handbook and Cookbook for Those with Heartburn" by Jill Sklar and Annabel Cohen
  "4 Weeks to Healthy Digestion: A Harvard Doctor's Proven Plan for Reducing Symptoms of Diarrhea, Constipation, Heartburn, and More" by Norton Greenberger, M.D., and Roanne Weisman
  "Tell Me What to Eat if I Have Acid Reflux: Nutrition You Can Live With" by Elaine Magee, M.P.H., R.D.