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Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for GERD

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By shakyaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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We all know that the esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. It is not just a simple tube, and the lower esophagus has a specialized muscle around it stays tightly closed, opening only to allow food and liquid into the stomach. Along with this, it acts to prevent the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

However, the symptoms occur when the specialized muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. All these symptoms include chest discomfort, heartburn, and bitter fluid flowing up into the mouth. Moreover, chest discomfort can occur. If the stomach juice trickles into the breathing tubes, cough, and even shortness of breath may also occur. The entire problem is called GERD. Numerous factors are involved that may cause the lower esophageal muscle to relax, causing GERD.

How Can Your Diet Help Prevent GERD?

You can prevent or relieve THE symptoms from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by changing the overall diet. You may also need to avoid certain foods as well as drinks that make your symptoms worse. You can also opt for medical treatment. Some other diets that can help reduce your symptoms include

• decreasing fatty foods

• eating small, frequent meals

What should I avoid eating if I Have GERD?

Avoid eating and drinking the following items that can GERD worse:

• Chocolate

• Tomatoes and tomato products

• Coffee

• Peppermint

• Greasy or spicy foods

• Alcoholic drinks

What can I eat if I Have GERD?

Eating healthy or balanced amounts of different types of foods is good for the overall health. However, if you are obese, talk with your doctor about dietary changes that can help you lose weight as well as decrease your GERD symptoms.

Nutritional Facts

A diet designed for preventing or reducing acid reflux is usually easy to follow. However, the primary food groups of cereals, fruits, dairy products, vegetables, and meats can be eaten with a few limitations. This diet meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council. It is essential to keep in mind that vitamin C supplements may be needed if an individual does not tolerate citrus foods like orange, tomato, etc.

Special Consideration on Candida diet

The lower esophageal sphincter muscle can be weakened due to several factors. Here are some of the recommendation that may be helpful to reduce the overall symptom. You can also opt for a sample keto.

1. Avoid chewing gum or hard candy because it increases the amount of swallowed air that, in turn, leads to belching or reflux

2. Never lie down immediately after eating.

3. Avoid tight clothing or bending over after eating.

4. Eat small and frequent portions of food.

5. Obesity leads to increased reflux.

However, the following foods aggravate acid reflux as well as should be avoided:

 Fatty or fried foods

 Peppermint and spearmint

 Whole milk

 Oils

 Chocolate

 Creamed foods or soups

 Most fast foods

Here is the foods that irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and also need to be limited or avoided:

 Citrus fruits and juices

 Coffee

 Caffeinated soft drinks

 Tea

 Some caffeinated beverage

Lifestyle changes

Several lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of acid reflux. Try to:

• Maintain a healthy weight

Excess pounds put pressure on the abdomen by pushing up the stomach as well as causing acid to reflux into your esophagus.

• Stop smoking

Smoking decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function correctly.

• Elevate the head of your bed

If you are experiencing heartburn while trying to sleep, you can place wood and cement blocks under the bed's feet. However, if you can't elevate the bed, you can insert a wedge between the mattress and box spring in order to elevate your body from the waist up.

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