GERD
is a condition in which the acid-containing
gastric juices regurgitate into the esophagus from
the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is a
valve at the lower part of the esophagus which
opens to let in food to the stomach and then shuts
to keep it within the stomach. It the sphincter
relaxes or does not close properly it results in
the gastric juices refluxing into the esophagus
causing heartburn.
Foods
that exacerbate symptoms of GERD vary from one
person to another. Some foods, though, are known
to lower the pressure of the sphincter causing
regurgitation of acids. These include food
containing a lot of fat, peppermint and chocolate.
Some foods slow down the emptying of the stomach
thereby causing more acid to remain in the stomach
to regurgitate such as fried foods. Some foods
like caffeinated and alcoholic beverages stimulate
the stomach to secrete more acid so that there is
more acid to regurgitate. Despite these known
detrimental effects of food on regurgitation, the
efficacy of dietary changes in the treatment has
not been proved. A good idea would be to keep a
food diary and note down in detail the foods that
you eat, when you eat and the symptoms that occur,
for at least two weeks. This will help you and
your doctor to plan a healthy diet at the same
time avoiding foods that set off GERD
symptoms.
In
general, the following foods are tagged
dangerous for GERD and should be
avoided.
1.
Fruits
like lemon, tomato, lemonade, orange juice,
grapefruit juice and cranberry
juice.
2.
Vegetables
like French fries, mashed potatoes, and raw
onions.
3.
Meats
like ground beef, sirloin, Buffalo wings, and
chicken nuggets.
4.
Dairy
products like milk, cream, ice creams, milk
shakes, and certain cheeses. A few years back
drinking cold milk was considered a quick fix to
the acid reflux problem. Unfortunately, milk has a
rebound action and eventually encourages secretion
of more stomach acid, which causes acid
reflux.
5.
Grains
especially refined like pastas and
bread.
6.
Beverages
- caffeinated tea or coffee, liquor,
wine.
7.
Fats
especially fried and fatty foods including creamy
salad dressings and those containing
vinegar.
8.
Sweets
and desserts like high-fat butter cookies,
brownies and chocolate
desserts.
9.
Fast
food eaten on the
run.
Despite
the detrimental effects of food on regurgitation,
the efficacy of dietary changes has not been
proved. Many doctors recommend that patients stay
away from food that aggravates their symptoms. But
incorporating few other lifestyle changes will not
only help relieve symptoms but eliminate the very
cause of GERD. A holistic approach goes beyond
merely the physical symptoms. Emotional and mental
well-being by managing stress, exercises,
meditation may all be incorporated as lifestyle
changes leading to a healthy body.
