Reduce intake of caffeinated, high-fat dairy products to ease GERD symptoms

February 22, 2017

People suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may find that staying away from certain foods, especially high-fat dairy products as well as caffeinated and carbonated drinks, could help ease their symptoms.

GERD is a very common chronic digestive disorder affecting people of all ages, from infants to older adults. It occurs when acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus.Chronic heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. However, numerous less common symptoms may also indicate GERD including sudden excess of saliva, difficulty or pain in swallowing, chronic sore throat, laryngitis, and inflammation of the gums.

A change in your diet and eating habits could help significantly reduce heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptoms of GERD.

Consuming certain foods and beverages has been shown to promote GERD symptoms, including heartburn and a sour taste from regurgitation. People with GERD are often advised to avoid the following foods:

Alcohol
Caffeine
Carbonated beverages
Chocolate
Citrus fruits and juices
Fatty foods
Fried foods
Garlic
Mint
Onion
Spicy foods
Tomato

These foods are generally thought to worsen GERD symptoms by increasing the acidity of the stomach.

Alcoholic beverages mainly cause GERD by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This allows stomach contents to enter the esophagus and cause heartburn.

Caffeinated beverages — such as coffee and tea — may not cause problems when consumed in moderation, such as a cup or two a day.

Carbonated beverages can increase acidity as well as pressure in the stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to push through the LES and flow up into the esophagus. Also, many types of soda contain caffeine.

The most problematic fatty foods include high-fat dairy products such as ice cream, as well as fatty cuts of meat such as beef, pork, and other meats.

Chocolate may be one of the worst foods for people with GERD because it contains high levels of fat, as well as caffeine and other natural chemicals that may cause reflux.Chewing gum may help to reduce symptoms of GERD.

Different people tend to have different reactions to individual foods. Pay attention to your diet, and if a food or a beverage gives you heartburn, consider avoiding it.

In addition to changing what you eat, your doctor may ask you to change the way you eat.Common recommendations include:

Eating smaller and more frequent meals
Eating more slowly
Limiting snacking between meals
Not lying down within two to three hours of eating

When your stomach is full, eating more can increase stomach pressure.This may cause your LES to relax, allowing stomach contents to flow up into the esophagus.

When you stand up, gravity helps keep your stomach’s contents from flowing upward.When you lie down, it’s easier for them to enter your esophagus.By waiting two to three hours after eating before lying down, you can harness gravity to help manage your GERD.

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