Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a very common ailment. It is a condition that arises when the stomach acids travel back into the lower esophagus. A specific diet routine helps decrease the symptoms and discomfort caused by this ailment, and a sample diet plan has been provided for you in the following HealthHearty article.
GERD is popularly called ‘heartburn’ or ‘acid reflux’. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a bunch of muscles at the end of your esophagus, do not close properly, and allow the acids from your stomach to travel into your esophagus and sometimes your mouth.
A large number of people, including infants and children suffer from GERD. The symptoms are, a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Additionally, one may also experience an acidic taste in the mouth. These symptoms have to be experienced more than twice a week for it to be termed GERD. Other symptoms include difficulty or pain while swallowing.
A multi-pronged approach is adopted while treating GERD. It includes medication, and change of diet and lifestyle. Modifications in diet can bring great relief. The GERD diet basically highlights which foods are to be avoided, and which ones are to be consumed. One of the first changes that needs to be made, is to stop consuming large meals.
Certain foods, such as those high in fat content, decrease LES pressure, and delay stomach emptying, consequently, increasing the risk of a reflux. It is ideal to supplement your usual ingredients with foods that your stomach can tolerate. For example, replace your regular cheese with a variety you can tolerate, and use whole wheat pasta when you make mac and cheese.
Here is a sample of what your daily meals could include:
Breakfast
Apple juice (½ cup)
Whole-grain cereal (¾ cup)
Banana (½)
Whole-wheat toast (2 slices)
Margarine (1 tsp.)
Jelly or jam (2 tbsp.)
Skim milk (1 cup)
Lunch
Lettuce
Fresh fruit salad, no citrus (½ cup)
Vegetable soup (1 cup)
Saltine crackers (4)
Lean beef patty (3 oz.)
Hamburger bun (1)
Reduced calorie mayonnaise (1 tbsp.)
Mustard (1 tbsp.)
Snacks
Skim milk (1 cup)
Graham crackers (4)
Dinner
Broiled skinless chicken breast (3 oz.)
Herbed brown rice (½ cup)
Steamed broccoli (½ cup)
Green salad (4 oz.)
Vinegar and oil dressing (1 tbsp.)
Whole grain roll (1)
Margarine (1 tsp.)
Low-fat frozen yogurt (½ cup)
Medium apple (1)
While following a GERD diet will help a great deal, the results will be all the more pronounced, if you complement the diet with certain lifestyle changes. They include:
- Posture while standing, sitting, or sleeping plays a big role in elevating reflux symptoms. Maintain an upright posture during and after meals. Sleep on your left side, preferably with your head elevated.
- Your last food intake should be approximately 2 hours before bed time.
- A step that will help with GERD as well as improve your overall health is to quit smoking.
- One of the most important things to do, is to take a step towards a healthier lifestyle. This includes, losing extra weight with regular exercise.
There are several studies that present contradictory evidences of the influence of diet changes on GERD. That is why, if you exhibit any of the symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor without allowing time to lapse.
