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Managing GERD Through Diet: Foods To Seek Out and To Avoid

We’ve all felt it after eating–that burning, uncomfortable feeling in the chest. Maybe you know it as heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux. While just about everyone experiences this sensation once in a while, there’s actually a significant number of people who suffer from it often. In fact, about 20% of the United States population experiences symptoms of chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Besides being unpleasant and frustrating, GERD can lead to serious complications such as esophagitis or Barret’s esophagus

At this time, there is not a singular commonly-recognized cause of GERD. While some research associates it with obesity, smoking, certain medications, being pregnant, or genetic predisposition, it can really happen to anyone. Symptoms, besides heartburn, include nausea, pain or difficulty swallowing, regurgitation (when gastric contents re-enter the mouth or throat), burping, and a chronic cough. Symptoms of more serious complications from GERD can include loss of appetite, vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, increased pain or difficulty when swallowing, asthma, poor sleep, and weight loss. 

Common Treatments for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

If you’re diagnosed with GERD, you do have options for treatment. There are a variety of recommended over-the-counter and prescription medications that can neutralize or reduce stomach acid production. For those who wish to avoid long-term medication use, there are surgical options available as well.

Making certain lifestyle and dietary changes are considered essential to reduce symptoms of GERD. Slowing down the speed of eating, avoiding lying down right after eating, keeping your head elevated in bed, and avoiding tight clothes that put pressure on your chest or stomach are all said to improve symptoms for some. 

Foods To Limit Or Avoid If You Are Experiencing GERD

There are certain foods that are recommended for you to avoid if you have GERD. These foods can trigger or worsen symptoms of the disease. These include:

  • Tomatoes
  • Caffeine
  • Acidic fruits, like oranges, lemons, and limes
  • Spicy foods
  • Mint
  • Chocolate
  • Onion
  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Garlic
  • High-sugar or high-fat foods
  • Fried or processed foods
  • Lactose, if you are lactose-intolerant

Foods To Incorporate Into Your Diet If You Are Experiencing GERD

On the other hand, there are certain foods that are often “safer” to consume for those experiencing GERD. These can include:

  • Non-citrus fruits, like apples, bananas, or melons
  • Oatmeal, brown rice, and whole grains
  • Root vegetables like potatoes or turnips
  • Water-dense vegetables like cucumber or celery
  • Low-acidic vegetables
  • Water and tea
  • Lean meats or fish

Of course, each person’s experience with acid reflux and GERD is unique. Foods affect each of us differently, so it’s important to monitor how you feel after consuming certain meals. Keeping a journal or notes tab on your phone of what “triggers” your symptoms can be a useful tool for you and your doctor. If you experience symptoms of GERD, the most important thing is to seek medical care–don’t self-diagnose or try to manage symptoms on your own. 

If you are suffering from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, the experienced team at Gastroenterology Health Partners is here for you. Our clinicians have a passion for seeking out and refining new treatments and advanced solutions for those suffering from disorders of the digestive system. For more information or to schedule a gastroenterological medical evaluation, contact a Gastro Health Partners location near you.

 

A Quick Summary of Esophagitis

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus. Here’s what you need to know about the condition.

Causes

Esophagitis can be caused by various things. One of the most common causes is reflux. Reflux occurs when stomach acid backflows into the esophagus. A condition called GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease) causes this to happen recurrently, and is a likely culprit for esophagitis in many cases. GERD can cause chronic inflammation over time. Infection can also cause esophagitis in rarer cases, mostly in people with diminished immune system function.

Oral medications can also cause inflammation in the esophagus if they are incontact with the esophagus for too long. This can happen if you take oral medications without enough liquid, oral medications that are irregularly shaped or large, if you take medications immediately before sleeping, or if you take them lying down. These medications include pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin, and some antibiotics.

Symptoms of Esophagitis

Several symptoms occur with this condition. These include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, chest pain occurring with eating, acid regurgitation, and a sore throat. Over time, irritation can cause tissue damage and ulcers can form. Additionally, strictures can occur with continued irritation. Strictures are a narrowing of the esophagus caused by a buildup of scar tissue. This leads to further difficulties with swallowing.

Diagnosing Esophagitis

There are a few different tests doctors use to diagnose esophagitis. They often perform a physical examination and review your medical history to identify symptoms that could indicate the condition. Additionally, they may perform a barium x-ray. For this test, patients drink a solution containing barium that coats the esophagus and makes it visible for imaging. Then, doctors take an x-ray to visualize the esophagus and identify any abnormalities. They may perform an endoscopy to look at the esophagus and biopsy tissue for a diagnosis. Biopsy tests can diagnose infections and identify any precancerous or cancerous cells.

Treatment and Prevention

Treating esophagitis involves treating symptoms, lowering the risk of complications, and treating the underlying cause. In cases of reflux esophagitis, some over the counter medications can help reduce acid production and heal the esophagus. There are also prescription medications available, including some proton pump inhibitors, H-2 receptor blockers, and prokinetics. Surgery may also be required in some cases. This involves wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter to strengthen it and help prevent acid reflux. Last, in cases where a stricture has formed, doctors can perform an esophageal dilation to widen the esophagus.

For cases of drug-induced esophagitis, avoiding the drug causing the inflammation and changing the way you take medication can help. There are also alternative drugs you can take that won’t cause inflammation. Plus, by simply drinking water with medication and standing or sitting upright for 30 minutes after taking a pill, you can avoid causing some inflammation. Last, in cases of infectious esophagitis, doctors can prescribe medications to treat the underlying cause of infection.

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience treating conditions including esophagitis. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.