Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Food to be Avoided

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is now a days  very common problem.

GERD is increasing with the age. It is very common in the older people.

Following foods needs to be avoided.

1. Avoid caffeine containing drinks like coffee and tea. Avoid even decaffeinated coffee.
2. Avoid caffeinated soft drinks.
3. Avoid citrus fruits and juices like grapefruit, and oranges.
4. Avoid fruits like pineapple and tomato. 
5. Stop tobacco in any form because the nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscles.
6. The following foods increase the symptoms of GERD like :
   1. Whole milk.
   2. Fatty foods.
   3. Chocolate.
   4. Most fast foods.
   5. Oily foods.
   6. Peppermint. 
   7. Soup containing the cream and the creamy foods.
7. Avoid chewing gum and hard candy because these increase swallowing of air. This will increase belching and reflux.
8. Avoid spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated in some of the people.
9. Avoid late hours eating and don’t lie immediately on bed after the food.
10. Raised the bed 6 to 8 inches to prevent the reflux. Can put extra pillows and this may be helpful.
11. Eat frequent and small portions of the food.
12. If you are overweight, try to lose weight.
13. Following foods are recommended :
    1. Milk 1% and 2% or skimmed milk.
    2. Can use low fat or fat free yogurt.
    3. Vegetables are recommended.
    4. Bread with low fat contents are recommended.
    5. Fish, low fat meat and chicken.
    6. Fat free or low fat soups.
    7. Fruits like apple, watermelon, peaches, pears and banana.
14. Following foods are bad for GERD:
    1. Fried items even vegetables.
    2. Whole milk 
    3. Chocolate milk.
    4. Fatty meat, bacon, sausages and chicken with lot of fats.
    5. Oranges, grapefruits and pine apple.
    6. Sweet dishes like chocolate and deserts with lot of oil or fats.
    7. Alcohol.
    8. Coffee, tea and mint tea.
    9. Carbonated beverages.
    10. Soups containing chicken, milk, beef, or cream.