athens gi center - tim beasley

Athens Gastrointerology Center
Athens Gastrointerology Center - Athens Endoscopy

21 Jefferson Place, Athens, GA 30601

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet


      Normal esophagus.
   Image from the National Institutes of Health

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. However, it is not just a simple tube. The lower esophagus has a specialized muscle around it that usually stays tightly closed, opening only to allow food and liquid into the stomach. It acts to prevent the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Symptoms occur when this specialized muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. These symptoms include heartburn, chest discomfort, and bitter fluid flowing up into the mouth. Chest discomfort can occur. If the stomach juices trickles into the breathing tubes, hoarseness, cough, and even shortness of breath can occur. This entire problem is called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). A number of factors, including certain foods, may cause the lower esophageal muscle to relax, causing GERD.

Nutrition Facts

A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux is usually easy to follow. The basic food groups of cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats can be eaten with only a few limitations. So, this diet generally meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council. A vitamin C supplements may be needed if an individual does not tolerate citrus foods such as oranges, tomato, etc.

Special Considerations

The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food. The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms:

  1. Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.
  2. Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowing air which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux.
  3. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.
  4. Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
  5. Eat small, frequent portion of food and snack if needed.
  6. Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux.
  7. Elevated the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.
  8. The following foods aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided:
    fatty or fried foods
    peppermint and spearmint
    whole milk
    oils
    chocolate
    creamed foods and soups
    most fast foods
  9. The following foods irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and may need to be limited or voided:
    citrus fruits and juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato)
    coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
    caffeinated soft drinks
    tea
    other affricated beverages
    Spicy or acidic foods mat not be toleratd by some individuals.

Food Groups

 
Milk or Milk Products
 
 
RECOMMENDED
 
AVOID
 
 
Skim, 1% or 2% low fat milk; low-fat or fat-free milk
 
Whole milk (4%), chocolate milk
 
 
Vegetables
 
 
RECOMMENDED
 
AVOID
 
 
All other vegetables
 
Fried or creamy style vegetables, tomato
 
 
Fruits
 
 
RECOMMENDED
 
AVOID
 
 
Apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches, pears
 
Citrus, such as oranges, grapefruits, pineapples
 
 
Breads and Grains
 
 
RECOMMENDED
 
AVOID
 
 
All those made with low-fat content
 
Any prepared with whole milk or high-fat
 
 
Meats or Meat Substitutes
 
 
RECOMMENDED
 
AVOID
 
 
Low-fat meat, chicken, fish, turkey
 
Cold cuts, sausage, bacon, fatty meat, chicken fat
 
 
Fats and Oils
 
 
RECOMMENDED
 
AVOID
 
 
None or small amounts
 
All animal or vegetable oil
 
 
Sweets and Desserts
 
 
RECOMMENDED
 
AVOID
 
 
All items made with no/low fat (less than or equal to 3 gr.)
 
Chocolate, desserts made with oils and/or fats
 
 
Beverages
 
 
RECOMMENDED
 
AVOID
 
 
Decaffeinated, non-mint herbal tea; juices (except citrus); water
 
Alcohol, coffee (regular decaffeinated), tea, mint tea
 
 
Soups
 
 
RECOMMENDED
 
AVOID
 
 
Fat-free or low-fat based
 
Chicken, beef, milk, or creamed-based soup
 

 

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