Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
Updated 09/20/2018
Category: Diet
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:
|
| 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 items 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 | ||
Schedule an Appointment
New Patients
Thank you for choosing our practice for all of your GI needs!
Please provide a few details so we can deliver the best care for you.
Current Patients
Please contact our team Monday – Friday between 7:45am and 3:45pm at 717-761-0930 to schedule. Or request an office visit directly through your Patient Portal!
Direct Colonoscopy
Find out if you qualify to schedule your procedure directly, as opposed to first scheduling an office visit.
Complete our quick questionnaire!
Patient Information Center Get all the information you need for your next appointment at Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
Prepare for Your Visit