Foods to Consume and Stay Away From if You Have GERD or Acid Reflux
The FDA requested that all types of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine (Zantac) be taken off the market in the United States in April 2020. They made this suggestion because some ranitidine products included unacceptably high quantities of NDMA, a substance that is likely to cause cancer. Before refraining from taking prescription ranitidine, patients should discuss safe alternatives with their doctor. People who are taking over-the-counter ranitidine should cease using it and discuss other treatment alternatives with their doctor. Unused ranitidine products should be disposed of in accordance with the directions on the product or by following the FDA’s recommendations rather than taking them to a drug take-back location.
With gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the stomach’s contents frequently migrate back up the food pipe. By eating some foods and avoiding others, people can reduce the symptoms of GERD.
Typically persistent, this regurgitation can cause unpleasant symptoms like heartburn and pain in the upper abdomen. A person’s food and way of life can have a big impact on how severe their disease is.
20% of adults in western society suffer from GERD.
Other dietary recommendations including avoiding trigger foods may help with GERD symptoms. The things that persons with GERD may want to cut out of their diet are discussed in this article. Additionally, it covers items to eat.
Foods you should eat
No particular diet can treat GERD, however some may help to alleviate symptoms.
Up until recently, there was no scientific support for the idea that modifying one’s diet helped reduce the symptoms of GERD. Even while additional research is necessary, an analysis from 2021 reveals that several nutrients, like fruits and vegetables, are linked to a lower incidence of GERD.
Similar to this, a 2016 study discovered that adhering to the Mediterranean diet, which is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats, may aid in reducing the symptoms of GERD
Here are a few examples of foods you can eat to potentially improve your condition.
Vegetables
Sugar and fat content are minimal in vegetables. Additionally, they are a good source of fiber, a healthy carbohydrate. Options that work well are:
· Broccoli
· Asparagus
· Cauliflower
· Cucumbers
· Brussels Sprouts
· Potatoes
· Green beans
· Kale
· Spinach
Fruits
Non citrus fruit consumption is less likely to cause GERD symptoms. Fruit is a good source of fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C.
Options include:
· Bananas
· Avocados
· Apples
· Melons
· Berries
· Peaches
· Pears
Proteins
Include lean protein from sources low in saturated fat, such as:
· Beans
· Almonds
· Fish
· Skinless chicken
· Skinless turkey
· Seafood
· Lentils
Egg whites are also a good choice, but egg yolks are high in fat, which can aggravate GERD symptoms.
Additionally, rather than frying when preparing proteins, try grilling, broiling, baking, or poaching.
Fats
Saturated fats from meat and dairy products, as well as trans fats from processed meals, should be avoided or reduced as a general rule for GERD, and should be replaced with foods that contain healthy fats in moderation. These consist of:
· Olive oil
· Avocado oil
· Fatty fish
· Nut butter
· Nuts and seeds
Whole grains
Fiber-rich whole grains are a good choice. High-fiber diets are associated with a lower risk of heartburn symptoms, according to research. Several whole grain foods are:
· Brown rice
· Whole grain bread
· Oatmeal
Foods you should avoid
Some meals can make GERD symptoms worse.
As a digestive issue, GERD symptoms are frequently influenced by diet. Given this, changing one’s diet and manner of life can significantly help treat many GERD cases.
2019 research discovered a link between reflux esophagitis, which is inflammation typically brought on by GERD, and a high intake of particular foods.
The following foods may make the symptoms of GERD or reflux esophagitis worse:
· Meat, which tends to be high in saturated fats
· Foods heavy in fat and oils may relax the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus and impede digestion
· Meals with a high glycemic index, which are usually rich in refined sugars
Milk
2021 evaluation GERD symptoms in children and cow’s milk allergy (CMA) were investigated by Trusted Source.
The researchers discovered that after ingesting cow’s milk, GERD symptoms frequently appeared in children with CMA. Current studies are looking into whether this holds true for adults as well. Due to the fact that many allergic youngsters get tolerant to cow’s milk by the age of six, CMA is uncommon in adults. dependable source
There is conflicting data linking milk consumption to reflux symptoms. Even some studies have suggested that drinking milk may help reduce the risk of nonerosive reflux illness.
However, those who regularly feel uncomfortable or bloated after consuming dairy products made with cow’s milk can find that doing so improves their symptoms.
Trigger foods
To reduce the symptoms of GERD, some people decide to stay away from popular trigger foods like coffee and chocolate. However, there is little clinical support for this strategy, and individual responses vary.
Some common trigger foods may include:
· Carbonated beverages
· Mint
· Chocolate
· Caffeine
· Acidic drinks
· Alcohol
Those who have GERD may decide to try cutting out each food category to see if their symptoms get better. Incorporate the food type back into your diet if your symptoms don’t go better.
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends avoiding trigger foods to assist manage GERD symptoms in its 2022 guidelines for diagnosing and treating the condition. They do note that there is not much data to back up this suggestion, though.
Meal plan
To lessen GERD symptoms, experts advise consuming a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet or one that is high in fruit, vegetables, and healthy grains. Examples of dinner suggestions include:
· Oatmeal with berries
· Avocado on whole grain toast
· Poached eggs on whole grain toast
· Brown rice with steamed vegetables and salmon
· Mixed salad greens with whole grain pita bread and hummus
· Whole grain pizza with pesto sauce, vegetables, and low fat cheese
· Whole grain bread sandwich with tuna and grilled vegetables
· Grilled vegetable skewers with hummus dip and salad
· Baked skinless chicken with grilled vegetables and baby potatoes
What is GERD?
Food travels through the food pipe to the stomach when someone swallows. The lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle tissue at the base of the food pipe, opens to let food enter the stomach. Then it closes, preventing the food from going back up the food pipe.
The stomach’s contents may flow back up into the food pipe if the esophageal sphincter does not seal properly, leading to GERD.
Although heartburn and acid reflux are commonly used interchangeably with GERD, these are actually just its symptoms.
If left untreated, GERD can result in serious health issues including Barrett’s esophagus. The cells lining the feeding pipe become aberrant in this situation. This could, in rare circumstances, cause cancer.
Symptoms
Heartburn, a painful symptom that can range from a burning sensation in the chest to a sensation of food sticking in the throat, is the main sign of GERD. After eating, nausea is also a relatively typical side effect.
Less frequent GERD signs and symptoms include:
· Burping
· Hiccups
· A sore throat
· Wheezing or weak coughing
· Food regurgitation
· Changes to the voice, including hoarseness
Immediately after eating, lying down can make symptoms worse. Sometimes people discover that their symptoms worsen at night. If this is the case, individuals may frequently get relief by sleeping with their head raised and refraining from eating for at least two hours prior to bed.
Treatments
Treatment options for GERD symptoms are excellent.
To treat GERD, people can use over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. These include medications that neutralize stomach acid, such antacids like Gaviscon.
There are other H2-receptor blockers on the market, which can reduce stomach acid production for up to 12 hours. Over-the-counter (OTC) PPIs have a similar effect.
Stronger antacids or acid-blocking medications may be included in prescription drugs. These are normally useful but merely lower stomach acid levels. Antacid, PPI, or H2-receptor inhibitor use on a regular basis can result in vitamin B12 shortage because this acid is mostly important for the absorption of vitamin B12 from food during digestion.
Baclofen is a medicine that works by stopping the lower esophageal sphincter from relaxing, which helps alleviate symptoms. However, there are certain unfavorable side effects of baclofen, including fatigue and disorientation.
Holistic nutritional methods to treat GERD
Beyond simple dietary adjustments, a thorough GERD treatment strategy must take into account other variables.
Bringing the bacterial flora in the intestines back into equilibrium may be helpful for many patients with digestive problems. Consuming foods that are fermented and high in prebiotics may also assist.
Probiotics are the term used for the bacteria found in fermented foods. By promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the stomach, they may minimize digestive problems. Prebiotics are high-fiber diets that promote the growth of good bacteria.
Foods with probiotics include:
· Yogurt
· Raw sauerkraut
· Kefir
· Raw fermented pickles and vegetables
· Raw Kimchi
· Kombucha (a fermented tea drink)
· Prebiotic-rich foods include:
· Jerusalem artichokes
· Greener bananas
· Chicory root fiber or inulin
· Garlic
· Onions
· Apples
· Leeks
Probiotic and prebiotic meals may help people with GERD feel better. Probiotics aid in the fight against the Helicobacter pylori bacterium strain, which some researchers think may be connected to GERD. More investigation is required to support this, though.
Natural solutions
Licorice, ginger, and slippery elm bark are examples of natural remedies that are thought to ease GERD symptoms. Some people think that these treatments might enhance stomach emptying, lessen symptoms, and soothe nausea. There is currently not much scientific evidence to back their use, though.
High quantities of mucilage found in slippery elm are supposed to coat and calm the stomach and throat. Mucus, which helps shield the stomach from acid injury, may also be secreted as a result.
An oral melatonin pill, according to 2018 research, may also help relieve GERD symptoms. The results need to be confirmed by additional research, thus the researchers only suggest this as one component of treatment.
The signs of GERD can also be lessened by maintaining a moderate weight and sleeping with your head up. Other way of life adjustments that could lessen symptoms include:
· Quitting smoking
· Eating smaller meals
· Not lying down for at least 2–3 hours after a meal
Outlook
Even though GERD is frequently thought of as a chronic condition, it need not last forever.
Along with medication, lifestyle, dietary, and integrative changes might be beneficial. Surgery may be an option to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter if the aforementioned methods fail.
The right medical care should stop GERD from impairing a person’s quality of life. A doctor must always be consulted before making any alterations to a treatment regimen, though.
Summary
Regularly moving stomach contents back up the throat due to GERD results in painful burning symptoms.
Even while there is no single diet that may cure the disorder, some people may find that eating and avoiding particular foods helps with their symptoms. With dietary, lifestyle, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, people with GERD can frequently manage their symptoms.
