Diet Guidelines for GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid regurgitates into the esophagus. The acid irritates the throat and causes symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, cough and difficulty swallowing. Although medications can treat GERD, an adjusted diet also can help alleviate symptoms of the disease.

Identify Trigger Foods

Each person has different foods that trigger episodes of acid reflux. When you are diagnosed with the disorder, you may want to consider keeping a food journal in order to track these foods and eliminate them from your diet. For example, some GERD patients may develop acid reflux symptoms after drinking caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, while others may not be affected by them. When you eliminate foods as a way to treat GERD, stop eating one food at a time.

Steer Clear of Acidic Foods

As part of GERD treatment, avoid acidic foods to reduce symptoms. Fruits such as lemons, cherries and pineapples may cause heartburn. Acidic vegetables include tomatoes, pimentos and escarole. Vinegar is extremely acidic and is found in many food products, such as salad dressings and canned vegetables.

Additional GERD Triggers

According to the Mayo Clinic, common heartburn triggers include garlic, onion, alcohol, chocolate, spicy foods and mint. Fried foods and foods high in fat also can cause acid reflux symptoms to worsen. Eating habits also can trigger GERD. You should not eat within a couple of hours of bedtime or lie down soon after eating a meal. Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day.

Safe Foods

GERD diet guidelines suggest foods that are not likely to bring on an attack of your acid reflux. Many vegetables are considered safe to eat, including broccoli, potatoes and carrots. Lean meats, poultry and fish are rarely associated with triggering acid reflux. Grains and bread products are other safe foods. Dairy products high in fact can prove problematic, but low-fat and nonfat substitutes are typically fine to eat.