A Gerd Diet is a good way to improve your health and manage the symptoms of GERD. This type of diet contains a variety of healthy foods and may help lower your risk of esophageal cancer. The 2020-2025 USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend a Mediterranean diet and high-fiber diet for people with GERD.
Trigger foods for GERD
For those with GERD, it is important to learn about the common trigger foods. This is because certain foods cause distress to the esophageal lining, thereby aggravating the symptoms of the condition. Fortunately, there are many simple and inexpensive ways to reduce the frequency and severity of these symptoms.
Some common triggers include garlic, onions, and sweetened drinks. These foods are high in fructose, a type of carbohydrate that is hard to digest. Another common culprit is coffee. Although coffee has fiber, it is also high in sugar. Moreover, many people add sugar to their coffee. Be aware that alcohol and beer are not triggers, but these beverages can contain high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates.
Aside from coffee, alcohol, and smoking, other foods can aggravate the symptoms of GERD. Many people with GERD are sensitive to citrus fruits and fatty foods, which can aggravate symptoms. Garlic can also cause irritation to the esophagus and should be avoided.
Coffee, alcohol, and fried foods are also common triggers for GERD. Other foods to avoid include spicy foods, chocolate, and alcohol. To manage the symptoms of GERD, patients should keep a diet diary. This will help them to identify which foods trigger their symptoms.
Symptoms of GERD
Diet is a powerful tool to control GERD symptoms. You should avoid food or drinks that trigger your condition. Some people may need to cut back on certain foods or completely avoid them. While it may be painful to give up favorite foods at first, you will likely not miss them much after awhile.
Eating foods high in fiber is helpful in reducing symptoms of acid reflux. Large meals may contribute to the occurrence of gas. Fruits and vegetables are excellent diuretics as they dilute stomach acid. These foods are also low in calories and fat, making them a good option. In addition, alkaline foods help to balance out excess acidity. Cauliflower, bananas, and melon are all good choices for those suffering from GERD.
If you continue to experience GERD symptoms, you should see a medical professional. Lifestyle changes and medication can help to control the condition and prevent future episodes. If you’re suffering from a chronic condition, you should consult a gastroenterologist. If your symptoms persist, visit a pediatric gastroenterologist.
Acid reflux is a serious problem and requires immediate medical attention. If untreated, it can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus. If left untreated, it may even progress to cancer. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, which may last a few hours or even a whole day. Also, regurgitation can occur. This is when stomach acid comes back up and gets into the esophagus.
Treatment options for GERD
Treatment options for GERD diet can range from changing your diet to undergoing surgery. Some foods are known to cause reflux, including carbonated drinks and fatty foods. These foods relax the muscle that separates the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.
In severe cases, patients may need surgery to cure their condition. Doctors will attach the top part of the stomach to the esophagus in a procedure called fundoplication. This surgical procedure strengthens the sphincter to prevent acid from refluxing back into the esophagus.
In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you manage the symptoms of GERD. Antacids, which can be in the form of liquids or chewable tablets, can help control stomach acid levels. But these medications cannot heal ulcers or repair the damage to the esophagus that can happen from long-term GERD. In such cases, doctors may prescribe H-2 receptor blockers. These medications can help you control your symptoms for up to 12 hours.
In addition to medications, your primary care provider may also recommend alternative therapies. While these therapies have not been scientifically proven to treat GERD, they may be helpful in certain cases. If you’ve tried alternative therapies without success, your doctor may refer you for further evaluation. Be sure to keep a food log and discuss all your treatment options with your doctor.
