What to eat and avoid for GERD

What to eat and avoid for GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common digestive problem where stomach acid often flows back into the food pipe. This backflow can cause symptoms like heartburn, pain in the chest, and trouble swallowing, which can affect how well someone lives. To manage GERD, people often need to change what they eat to help ease symptoms and stop them from getting worse.

In this blog, we’ll look at which foods are good for people with GERD and which ones they should stay away from Consult with the best gastroenterologist in Chennai for medical advice.

What to eat to help GERD

  1. Non-Citrus Fruits- Apples, bananas, melons, and pears are good options for people with GERD. These fruits don’t have as much acid as citrus fruits so they’re less likely to cause heartburn. They also give you important vitamins and fibre to keep your diet healthy.
  2. Vegetables- Broccoli spinach green beans, and cauliflower can help if you have GERD. They don’t have much fat but have lots of fibre, which can stop acid from coming up. Veggies also have many nutrients that keep you healthy without hurting your food pipe.
  3. Lean Protein- Eating lean proteins like chicken breast, turkey, and tofu can help control GERD symptoms. Unlike fatty meats, which can make reflux worse lean proteins are easier to digest and less likely to cause acid to come back up.
  4. Whole Grains -Oatmeal brown rice, and whole-grain bread are great options for people with GERD. These whole grains have lots of fibre, which aids digestion and can lessen acid reflux symptoms. What’s more whole grains give you long-lasting energy and key nutrients.
  5. Ginger -Ginger has anti-inflammatory qualities and can calm the digestive system. Adding ginger to your meals, as a fresh root, in drinks, or as a seasoning, might ease GERD symptoms and boost digestive health.
  6. Low-Fat Dairy Products – Choosing low-fat dairy items, like skim milk low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese, can help control GERD symptoms. Full-fat dairy can boost acid production and loosen the lower oesophageal sphincter, causing more reflux.
  7. Herbal Teas -Herbal drinks such as chamomile and liquorice tea can soothe the digestive system. These teas might reduce inflammation and relieve GERD symptoms without hurting the oesophagus.

Schedule an appointment with our experts at SRM Global Hospitals to get diet advice and tips to handle the symptoms.

Foods to Avoid with GERD

  1. Citrus Fruits

    People with GERD should stay away from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. These fruits have high acid content and can boost stomach acid levels, which sets off or makes reflux symptoms worse.

  2. Tomato-Based Products

    Products with tomatoes such as tomato sauce, ketchup, and salsa often cause problems for those who suffer from GERD. Tomatoes contain acid and can make reflux symptoms more severe, so it’s smart to avoid these items or use them less often.

  3. Spicy foods have an impact on GERD symptoms. Hot peppers, spicy curries, and chili can irritate the oesophagus. These foods boost stomach acid production and cause discomfort and you should eat them in small amounts or skip them altogether.
  4. Fatty Foods- Fatty foods contribute to GERD symptoms. Fried items, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy fall into this category. These foods relax the lower oesophageal sphincter. This allows stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus.
  5. Chocolate- Chocolate has caffeine and theobromine. These substances relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and make acid reflux more likely. To manage GERD, you should eat less chocolate or avoid it completely.
  6. Caffeinated Beverages- Coffee tea, and caffeinated sodas can worsen GERD symptoms. Caffeine boosts acid production and relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter, which leads to more reflux.
  7. Carbonated Drinks- Fizzy drinks, like soda and sparkling water, can make you feel bloated and put more pressure on your stomach. This might cause acid to back up into your throat. To avoid making GERD symptoms worse, it’s a good idea to choose drinks without bubbles.

How to Handle GERD

  1. Eat Less More Often: Smaller meals eaten can stop too much pressure in your stomach lowering your chances of acid coming up.
  2. Don’t Eat Right Before Bed: It’s best to stop eating 2-3 hours before you lie down. This gives your stomach time to break down food.
  3. Keep a Healthy Weight: Extra pounds can put more pressure on your belly and make GERD worse. Eating right and working out to stay at a good weight can help you manage this issue.
  4. Raise Your Bed’s Head: When you sleep with your head up, it can stop stomach acid from flowing back into your food pipe easing GERD symptoms.

Getting Professional Support

When diet changes alone don’t cut it for managing GERD symptoms, it’s time to talk to an expert. A top gastroenterologist in Chennai can give you tailored advice and a treatment plan to keep GERD under control. Also, if you need more serious treatment options, the best gastro hospital in Chennai can provide full care and backup.

Taking charge of GERD means making smart food choices to cut down on symptoms and boost your overall health. By eating foods that go easy on your stomach and staying away from ones that set off reflux, you can get a handle on your condition and live better. For expert advice, schedule an appointment with us to the best gastroenterologist in Chennai to manage GERD effectively