NUTRITION GUIDELINES FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)

Acid reflux occurs when there is acid backflow from the stomach into the esophagus. This happens
commonly but can cause complications or troublesome symptoms, such as heartburn.

One reason this happens is that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened or damaged.
Normally the LES closes to prevent food in the stomach from moving up into the esophagus.

The foods you eat affect the amount of acid your stomach produces. Eating the right kinds of food is
key to controlling acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a severe, chronic form of
acid reflux.

1. Don't Overeat:
Avoid eating large meals. Acid reflux usually increases after meals, and larger meals seem to make the
problem worse.

2. Don't Drink Too Much Coffee:

People with acid reflux may notice their symptoms acting up after their morning coffee. This is
because caffeine is a known trigger of acid reflux.

3. Avoid the intake of carbonated beverages.

Carbonated beverages temporarily increase the frequency of belching, which may promote acid reflux.
If they worsen your symptoms, try drinking less or avoiding them altogether.

4. High-fat foods
Fried and fatty foods can cause the LES to relax, allowing more stomach acid to back up into the
esophagus. These foods also delay stomach emptying.

The following foods have a high-fat content. Avoid these or eat them sparingly:

 french fries and onion rings

 full-fat dairy products, such as butter, whole milk, regular cheese, and sour cream
 desserts or snacks, such as ice cream and potato chips
 cream sauces, gravies, and creamy salad dressings
 oily and greasy foods

5. Tomatoes and citrus fruit

Fruits and vegetables are important in a healthy diet. But certain fruits can cause or worsen GERD
symptoms, especially highly acidic fruits. If you have frequent acid reflux, you should reduce or
eliminate your intake of the following foods:

 oranges
 grapefruit

If eating is a social habit, then eat responsibly.

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  lemons
 limes
 pineapple
 tomatoes
 tomato sauce or foods that use it, such as pizza and chili
 salsa

6. Chocolate
Chocolate contains an ingredient called methylxanthine. It has been shown to relax the smooth
muscle in the LES and increase reflux.

7. Garlic, onions, and spicy foods

Spicy and tangy foods, such as onions and garlic, trigger heartburn symptoms in many people.

These foods won’t trigger reflux in everyone. But if you eat a lot of onions or garlic, make sure to track
your meals carefully in your diary. Some of these foods, along with spicy foods, may bother you more
than other foods do.

8.Mint
Mint and products with mint flavoring, like chewing gum and breath mints, can also trigger acid
reflux symptoms.

Making lifestyle changes

In addition to controlling reflux symptoms with diet and nutrition, you can manage symptoms with
lifestyle changes. Try these tips:

 Take antacids and other medications that reduce acid production. (Overuse can cause negative
side effects.)
 Maintain a healthy weight.
 Chew gum that isn’t peppermint or spearmint flavored.
 Don’t overeat, and eat slowly.
 Remain upright for at least two hours after eating.
 Avoid tight clothing.
 Don’t eat for three to four hours before going to bed.
 Raise the head of your bed four to six inches to reduce reflux symptoms while sleeping.

If eating is a social habit, then eat responsibly.

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 SUPERFOODS FOR REFLUX

 Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid

fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.

 Ginger – Steep caffeine-free ginger tea or added in the dishes or chew on low-sugar dried
ginger for a natural tummy tamer.


Jeera water is a traditional and local herbal remedy to treat GERD. After boiling
water add few cumin seeds to the water and take vessel out of stove, do not boil
the water with seeds it will evaporate the essential volatile substances in the seeds.

 Coriander - The culinary herb and spice coriander is also an effective treatment for acidity. It
is recommend taking 1 tbsp. coriander juice with 100ml butter milk to reduce acidity in the
stomach.

 Banana is a useful remedy for acidity. Bananas are a bland, low-acid fruit that people often
find to be gentle on the digestive system. The vitamins in bananas help stop gastrointestinal
spasms. People suffering from acidity should eat one banana every day to get rid of acidity and
associated symptoms.

 Tender coconut water. A dose of 100 to 500 ml should be taken

twice/day. This is the best quick relieving home remedy for the
Heartburn alias Acid reflux.

 Aloe Vera - Drinking pure aloe vera juice is beneficial in heartburn. Its healing nature give a
soothing effect .It also protects the stomach from acids by forming a coating.

 Slipper Elm Tea – The mucilage of slippery elm coats the esophagus and may help prevent
the irritation and inflammation that occurs when stomach acid flows up the
esophagus when you experience heartburn or GERD.

If eating is a social habit, then eat responsibly.

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