GERD – Foods to Eat and Avoid
The unpleasant signs of GERD such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, sore throat, and other symptoms have caused many people to turn to acid-blocking medications, which do not address the underlying issues and can cause their own set of problems. However,
following a GERD diet that promotes digestive health and tackles the underlying causes of GERD can assist in the recovery of your gut.
There is no one-size-fits-all diet, however, when it comes to heartburn and GERD, some foods will worsen symptoms while others can relieve them. Learn what to eat and which to avoid as part of a GERD-friendly diet.
Do You Have GERD?
Chronic episodes of heartburn or reflux can contribute to GERD, and GERD can also manifest as other symptoms. You might have GERD if you have chronic heartburn or reflux as well as some of the symptoms listed below:
● Heartburn
● Difficulty Swallowing
● Regurgitation,
● Sore Throat
● Nausea
● A feeling of something stuck in the throat
● Chronic cough
● Difficulty breathing
● Laryngitis
● Halitosis
● Bitter or sour taste
GERD – Foods to Eat
Luckily, there are many natural medicine treatments accessible for treating GERD. Most people benefit from avoiding certain foods that induce irritation and including foods that help in the healing of an inflamed esophagus.
Vegetables – Vegetables are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all of which help to maintain the health of the GI system lining. However, some vegetables, such as peppers, garlic, and onions, can increase GERD symptoms.
Fruits – Fruits, like veggies, are high in nutrients and fiber, which promote good GI tract health.
Bananas, melon, apples, and pears are the foods you should consume more of. Avoid more acidic foods such as tomatoes, pineapple, grapefruit, and oranges.
Turmeric – This yellow spice is popular all over the globe, especially in countries where curries are common. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory qualities, which serve to soothe the esophagus and stomach linings.
Ginger – Ginger is another anti-inflammatory substance that can help relieve the symptoms of indigestion and GERD. Use it in tea, in small cut pieces in food dishes, or put a small quantity in a juicer with tons of fresh veggies and fruits.
Oatmeal – For those struggling with GERD, oatmeal makes an excellent breakfast. It is a whole-grain meal with a high amount of fiber.
Foods to Avoid
Fried and Fatty Foods – You might have undoubtedly overeaten at a fast-food restaurant and paid the price with persistent heartburn. Fatty and fried foods can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a group of muscles that separates the stomach from the esophagus. A relaxed LES could enable more stomach acid to enter the esophagus, producing heartburn-like symptoms.
Peppers – Some people appear to get indigestion from this spicy food, but not all. We don’t know why bell peppers induce indigestion because they are more alkaline than acidic.
Tomatoes – This acidic fruit can increase GERD symptoms. People with GERD can sometimes consume fresh but not prepared tomatoes (particularly tomato sauce). In some cases, uncooked tomatoes induce heartburn while cooked tomatoes do not.
Chocolate – Chocolate, like fried and fatty foodstuffs, contains substances that can cause the LES to loosen. When the LES relaxes, stomach fluids can move more effortlessly into the lower esophagus, producing heartburn.
Spices – Some spices, such as cayenne, chili, mustard, cinnamon, or pepper, can cause problems in some people. These foods have an increased warming energy content and can worsen GERD-like symptoms.
Conclusion
Some of these practices necessitate the close monitoring of a physician, and they can be risky for anyone taking anti-inflammatory medication. Working with a functional medicine practitioner who can execute a treatment plan that tackles the underlying cause of your heartburn is strongly recommended. Visit our Hospital and consult with one of our experts to learn more about these treatment options