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		Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet Purpose The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. However, it is not just a simple tube. The lower esophagus has a specialized muscle around it that usually stays tightly closed, opening only to allow food and liquid into the stomach. It acts to prevent the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Symptoms occur when this specialized muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. These symptoms include heartburn, chest discomfort, and bitter fluid flowing up into the mouth. Chest discomfort can occur. If the stomach juice trickles into the breathing tubes, hoarseness, cough, and even shortness of breath can occur. This entire problem is called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). A number of factors, including certain foods, may cause the lower esophageal muscle to relax, causing GERD. Nutrition Facts A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux is usually easy to follow. The basic food groups of cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats can be eaten with only a few limitations. So, this diet generally meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council. A vitamin C supplement may be needed if an individual does not tolerate citrus foods such as orange, tomato, etc. Special Considerations The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food. The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms: Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle. Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks. Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating. Eat small, frequent portions of food and snack if needed. Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux. Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful. The following foods aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided: fatty or fried foods peppermint and spearmint whole milk oils chocolate creamed foods or soups most fast foods The following foods irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and may need to be limited or avoided: citrus fruits and juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato) coffee (regular and decaffeinated) caffeinated soft drinks tea other caffeinated beverages Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated by some individuals. Food Groups Group Recommend Avoid Milk or milk products skim, 1% or 2% low-fat milk; low-fat or fat-free yogurt whole milk (4%), chocolate milk Vegetables all other vegetables fried or creamy style vegetables*, tomatoes Fruits apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches, pears citrus*: such as oranges, grapefruit, pineapple Breads & grains all those made with low-fat content any prepared with whole milk or high-fat Meat, meat substitutes low-fat meat, chicken, fish, turkey cold cuts, sausage, bacon, fatty meat, chicken fat/skin Fat, oils none or small amounts all animal or vegetable oils Sweets & desserts all itmes made with no or low fat (less than or equal to 3 g fat/serving) chocolate, desserts made with oils and/or fats Beverages decaffeinated, non-mint herbal tea; juices (except citrus); water alcohol, coffee (regular or decaffeinated), carbonated beverages, tea, mint tea Soups fat-free or low-fat based chicken, beef, milk, or cream-based soups *Individually determined Related Diseases Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD) | GERD | Barrett's Esophagus | Esophagitis and Stricture | Heartburn and Reflux | Hiatus Hernia Related Procedures Peptic Ulcer Disease This material does not cover all information and is not intended as a subsitute for professional care. Please consult with your physician on any matters regarding your health. © Copyright Chek Med Systems®, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
		Patient Ed | Diseases | Procedures | Diets | Drugs | Endoscopy Images | Links Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology 423 North 21st Street, Suite 100   2626 North 3rd Street., Suite 3A Camp Hill, PA 17011 Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 761-0930   Phone: (717) 238-3111 *We can NOT provide medical care over the phone. Please contact us to make an appointment if needed. Fax: (717) 761-0465 Email: contact@gicare.com Web: gicare.com © Copyright 2006 Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. All Rights Reserved.