Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach, causing heartburn or acid reflux. GERD symptoms may vary for every person. However, the primary trigger factor of GERD may be caused by some foods and drinks. Here is a list of foods you need to avoid if you suffer from GERD:
1. Garlic and onions
Garlic and onions are two major ingredients that are added in many recipes. These two foods mainly trigger heartburn in people with GERD. They trigger the symptoms of acid reflux, so it is best to exclude them from your diet.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and all other tomato-based foods such as ketchup, salsa, and marinara sauce are known for their acidity.
3. Oranges
Orange, orange juice, and other orange-based foods are a great trigger factor of acid reflux.
4. Fried food
Fried foods are the major cause of acid reflux in many cases. They are considered dangerous because of their high-fat content. High-fat foods take more time to digest. If the food stays in your stomach for too long, it causes acidity and tends to trigger acid reflux. Instead of frying, you can try grilling or steaming.
5. Dry meat
Dry meat or overcooked meat is hard to swallow. This may trigger the symptoms of acid reflux.
6. High-fat meats
High-fat meats such as lamb, beef, and pork are hard to digest. The longer they stay in the stomach, the higher the acidity.
7. High-fat dairy products
High-fat foods contribute to acid reflux. If you are a big fan of cheese and also suffer from GERD, it is a bad choice.
8. Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the main things you need to avoid if you have GERD. Chocolate is said to cause more acid reflux compared to any other food. It contains three major things which are likely to trigger acid reflux. Chocolates are a great source of fat, cocoa, and caffeine. All these three factors cause reflux. It is hard to completely avoid chocolates. You can prefer milk chocolate over dark because milk chocolates are likely to cause less acidity. However, all chocolates are a threat to reflux.
9. Caffeine
Caffeine should be avoided if you have GERD. Drinking one cup of coffee, espresso or any other caffeinated beverages in a day is fine. But when you keep on drinking it all day, it is one of the important factors that will trigger reflux. You can try chamomile or any other herbal tea instead of caffeinated beverages.
10. Soda
Soda and other carbonated beverages like coke and diet Pepsi are some of the important trigger factors of acid reflux. These carbonated beverages increase the pressure in the stomach and trigger the symptoms of reflux.
11. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages do not contribute much acidity. However, liquor, beer, and wine are considered to stimulate stomach acid production and may trigger the symptoms of reflux. If you want to have an alcoholic beverage, have one cocktail or one glass of wine a day without mixing it with soda or any other carbonated beverages.
