Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) 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 is called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. 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 buffer 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.

Nutritional 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. This diet generally meets the Dietary Reference Intakes developed by The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences. A vitamin C supplement may be needed if an individual does not tolerate citrus foods such as oranges, tomatoes, etc.

Special Considerations

The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food. The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms:

1. Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.
2. Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux.
3. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.
4. Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
5. Eat small, frequent portions of food and snack if needed.
6. Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux.
7. Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.
8. The following foods aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided:
   • fatty or fried foods
   • whole milk
   • chocolates
   • oils
   • peppermint and spearmint
   • creamed foods or soups
   • most fast foods
9. The following foods irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and may need to be limited or avoided:
   • citrus fruit and juices (grapefruit. orange, pineapple, tomato)
   • coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
   • tea
   • other caffeinated beverages caffeinated soft drinks
10. Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated by some individuals.

Note: the information in this section is provided as a supplement to information discussed with your healthcare provider. It is not intended to serve as a complete description of a particular topic or substitute for a clinic visit.

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