Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that can cause symptoms like chest pain and burning, especially after eating, and difficulty swallowing. GERD is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid flows into the food pipe, irritating the lining. Acid reflux and frequent heartburn are common GERD symptoms. Avoiding trigger foods may help to ease some GERD symptoms. Here are some foods that you might want to think twice about consuming if you suffer from GERD.
Fatty Foods –Foods high in fat slow down the emptying of the stomach, putting pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This bundle of muscles located where the esophagus meets the stomach prevents stomach acid from traveling up from the stomach.
Citrus Juices/Fruits and Tomatoes– The common factor here is acidity. The high acid content in these foods is commonly known to aggravate GERD.
Carbonated Beverages- Carbonation in soda can cause the stomach to bloat and distend, which places extra strain on the LES.
Coffee- The beloved morning pick-me-up can unfortunately stimulate acid secretion.
Spicy Foods- While not everyone will have problems with spicy foods, the capsaicin in spicy foods may cause heartburn. Spicy foods could also irritate your esophagus, which could aggravate heartburn symptoms
Alcohol- There’s a couple of theories here. Depending on your drink of choice, some think alcohol interferes with LES’s ability to function as a barrier, while others think it may have something to do with the acidity of alcoholic beverages. Whatever the reason, alcohol seems to have an impact on GERD symptoms for many people.
If you or someone you love is struggling to manage symptoms associated with GERD, local studies for potential new treatment options are enrolling now at Stamford Therapeutics Consortium. Those that qualify have access to potential new GERD treatments and are cared for by board-certified physicians. Qualified participants may also be compensated for time and travel expenses. Learn more about these new research opportunities by clicking HERE.
Our blog provides general information about health and related subjects. This content should not be interpreted as medical advice.
