Food Triggers that May Make Your GERD Symptoms Worse
by Ask a Healer
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This is part of a series on gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. To get the full benefit, please read the introduction, what is GERD and any subsequent article sections. Here we look at lifestyle changes and diet changes your doctor may suggest, to help manage your symptoms.
What you eat may be a GERD trigger. Certain foods can irritate the condition and others can help. Each time food is consumed stomach acid is released. Increased pressure in the stomach and/or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter may cause acid reflux. While some with GERD will not present with symptoms when consuming these foods occasionally, they may be banned by your doctor if you are put on an acid reflux or gerd diet.
Foods that may trigger GERD symptoms:
Acid fruit juices such as orange juice or grapefruit juice
Potatos, particularly french fries
Heavy meats, such as beef
Dairy Products
Alcohol Products
Spicy Foods
Fried foods in general
Eating for GERD Relief:
If some of your favorites are on that list above, you may be wondering if you have to cut them out altogether. Banning foods entirely from your diet because you have GERD may lead to resentment and may not be required for every person with this condition.
We are our own best monitor of what agrees with us or not. While foregoing GERD triggers is important while the body is recovering from an attack of symptoms, moderation rather than complete banning of foods may be possible after the symptoms subside. Rather than looking at GERD as a life sentence that bans favorite foods, I'd suggest looking at it as a health challenge that may heal itself over time and that you may be able to moderately consume some of your favorites again at some point in the future. Of course, you should discuss any dietary changes with your doctor before eating foods on the no-no list.
Most acid reflux diets are put in place to reduce symptoms. Your doctor may release some of those constraints as your symptoms improve. As I've said before on this site, western medicine still mostly treats by symptom management. I'd suggest reading about natural gerd remedies in addition to medical gerd treatments for a different sort of look at helping the body heal.
What are some of the factors that affect GERD symptoms?
The following may make GERD symptoms worseL full stomach, obesity, lying down, smoking, lifting heavy objects and pregnancy. Also, eating high fat foods, drinking alcohol or consuming foods that act as GERD triggers for you. It requires attention and self-monitoring to find out what foods make your symptoms worse but many with this condition cannot tolerate a lot of chocolate or peppermint.Full
Losing weight and cutting down on smoking can be important GERD relief decisions. Walking during GERD attacks rather than lying down may also be helpful if you notice that the symptoms are worse when lying down. Also, If you find GERD interfering with healthy eating of raw veggies like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflour, etc. you may want to look into supplementation with digestive enzymes. This will be especially beneficial if over the age of 40, as enzyme specialists believe our natural stores of digestive enzymes begin to decline around that age.
Health Care Disclaimer: The information on GERD that you are reading is educational in nature and not expected to replace medical evaluation and/or needed treatment.
