How to eat with GERD? 7 food groups that should be excluded from the diet

How to eat with GERD? 7 food groups that should be excluded from the diet

A doctor-gastroenterologist told how to fight one of the most common diseases of the digestive tract.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a gastroenterological disease in which there is a “throwing” of gastric contents into the esophagus due to insufficiency of the gastric cardia (incomplete closure of the muscular sphincter separating the esophagus from the stomach).

Gastroenterologist, FNCC FMBA of Russia

GERD is one of the most common pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, approximately 40% of the population suffers from various forms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

How reflux disease manifests itself

External factors and lifestyle, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, taking certain medications, stress and psycho-emotional load can contribute to the aggravation of the symptoms of the disease.

Regularly repeated throwing acidic stomach contents into the esophagus provoke esophagitis (inflammation of the esophageal mucosa), erosions and ulcers of the esophagus.

The main symptoms of GERD are:

• heartburn;
• belching;
• regurgitation;
• impaired swallowing (dysphagia);
• chest pain.

Extraesophageal manifestations may also occur:

• a persistent sore throat;

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease involves:

• refusal of bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse);

• normalization of work and rest;

• reduction of body weight in case of its excess;

• diet therapy and taking medications.

What to eat with GERD

It is very important not to overeat, the last meal should be two to three hours before bedtime. Dietary recommendations should be individualized, taking into account the analysis of the tolerance of products in a particular patient.

It is necessary to limit the use of the following groups of products:

• tomatoes;
• acidic fruit juices;
• fatty foods;
• alcohol;
• coffee;
• chocolate;
• carbonated drinks.

It is also important to avoid situations that increase intra-abdominal pressure as much as possible:

• wearing tight belts, corsets and bandages;
• lifting weights of more than 8 to 10 pounds in both arms;
• work involving forward bending of the torso;
• exercise associated with overstretching of the abdominal muscles.

Raising the headboard of the bed is necessary for all patients with GERD. Especially those who are bothered by heartburn at night and during pregnancy.