The
gastrointestinal system is responsible for the
complex process of digesting food. This means that
your daily food and nutrient intake is critically
important to its proper function and for the
prevention of GERD as well as other digestive
complaints.
Eating
foods that promote healthy digestion and avoiding
foods that trigger acid reflux symptoms forms the
basis of any GERD diet. Certain foods are
considered beneficial for GERD and they
are:
1.
Garlic is believed to have antibacterial and
antifungal properties. It can even kill
Helicobacter pylori a pathogen resistant to
stomach hydrochloric acid. It helps is maintaining
beneficial flora of friendly organisms thereby
normalizing the digestive process. Garlic may be
used in food, chewed or made into juice. It is
important to crush or juice the garlic in order
for its active ingredient allicin to
work.
2.
Ginger is also a good digestive aid. May be used
in foods, as tea, or chewed as candied ginger
after meals.
3.
Green tea also contains polyphenols which have
better free radical quenching effect than vitamin
E and vitamin C.
4.
Broccoli has the required vitamins and minerals
and also boosts the production of
enzymes.
5.
Multigrain breads, brown rice, oatmeal, and
bran-based cereals are high in fiber. These bulk
foods decrease the transit time of food in the
intestinal tract as well as help eliminate
toxins.
6.
Herbal teas made from ginger, chamomile, catnip,
cloves, etc. help prevent GERD
symptoms.
7.
Red apples and bananas are generally considered
miracle treats for GERD.
8.
Vegetables like carrots, cabbage, green peas, and
beans are also healthy.
9.
Meat should be lean like skinless chicken, fish,
or only whites of eggs.
This
list of safe foods is neither complete nor
accurate. The causes and symptoms of GERD are very
complex and vary from one individual to another. A
food that clears symptoms for one person may
exacerbate symptoms in another. It is therefore
advisable to keep a detailed journal of the foods
eaten and the symptoms it triggered off. This will
help eliminate foods that do not agree with you.
But
just eating healthy foods and avoiding others is
not enough to treat GERD. Since GERD is
caused by a combination of internal and external
factors, a holistic approach is absolutely
essential in order to treat GERD. A holistic
medicine practitioner will cover all aspects of
the body - the mental, emotional as well as
physical to heal the body completely. Making
lifestyle changes, incorporating good eating
habits, stress management, and a positive attitude
form the pillars of this type of treatment.
