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If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you may need to change your diet to help ease your symptoms. Here are some foods to avoid with GERD.
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What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach.
When this muscle relaxes, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing.
GERD is a relatively common condition that affects up to 20% of the population. It is most common in adults over 40 years old and is more likely to occur if you are overweight, obese, or pregnant. GERD can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you have GERD, it is important to avoid trigger foods that can worsen your symptoms. Common trigger foods include fatty or fried foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, and carbonated beverages.
What are the symptoms of GERD?
The symptoms of GERD may resemble other medical conditions or gastric problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Common symptoms of GERD include:
-Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
-Sensation of a lump in the throat
-Heartburn
-Chest pain
-Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
-Difficulty swallowing
What causes GERD?
There are a number of things that can cause GERD, but the most common is a weak or relaxes lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a ring of muscle that separates your esophagus and stomach. Normally, the LES closes tightly after food passes through to the stomach. If the LES relaxes too much, or if it weakens, stomach contents can flow back up into your esophagus. This causes heartburn and other symptoms.
How is GERD diagnosed?
GERD is usually diagnosed after the person has symptoms for at least 5 years. A doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. If the person has other medical conditions, the doctor may order tests to look for other problems.
What are the treatments for GERD?
The treatments for GERD may include:
– medicines to reduce stomach acid
– surgery to prevent stomach acid from coming up into your throat
– changes in your diet
How can I prevent GERD?
There are a few things you can do to prevent GERD. First, try to lose weight if you are overweight. Second, eat smaller meals and don’t eat late at night. Third, don’t eat foods that trigger your symptoms. fourth, don’t smoke and avoid alcohol. Finally, sleep with your head elevated so that your stomach acid stays where it belongs.
What are the complications of GERD?
GERD can cause complications such as:
-Barrett’s esophagus. This condition develops when the lining of your esophagus is damaged from stomach acid. It can lead to esophageal cancer, which is often fatal.
-Esophageal strictures. These are narrowing of the esophagus caused by inflammation from stomach acid.
-Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis). This condition can be painful and make it hard to swallow.
-Precancerous changes in the cells of the lower part of your esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus).
-Increased risk of cancer of the lower part of your esophagus and your stomach.
When should I see a doctor for GERD?
You should see a doctor for GERD if you have symptoms that are not relieved by over-the-counter medications or if you experience severe symptoms, such as:
-Difficulty swallowing
-Bloody or black stools
-Vomiting
-Unintentional weight loss
-Choking
-Wheezing or Shortness of breath
Are there any home remedies for GERD?
There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help relieve your symptoms and keep your condition under control. Some home remedies for GERD and heartburn may include:
-Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of three large meals.
-Avoid eating late at night or within two hours of lying down.
-Avoid foods and beverages that trigger or worsen your symptoms, such as fatty or fried foods, chocolate, mint, Citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.
-Eat slowly and chew your food well to avoid overloading your stomach.
-Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid putting pressure on your stomach.
-Sleep with your head elevated to avoid acid reflux during the night.
What is the outlook for people with GERD?
GERD is a chronic condition.Medicines can help, but some people need surgery. People with GERD may need to take medicines long-term.
