Food Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Food Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

When you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the foods you eat and your eating habits are very important. Choosing the right foods can help ease your discomfort. Think about working with a nutrition specialist (dietitian) to help you make good choices.

What are tips for following this plan?

Meals

• Choose healthy foods that are low in fat, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meat, fish, and poultry.
• Eat small meals often instead of 3 large meals a day. Eat your meals slowly, and in a place where you are relaxed. Avoid bending over or lying down until 2–3 hours after eating.
• Avoid eating meals 2–3 hours before bed.
• Avoid drinking a lot of liquid with meals.
• Cook foods using methods other than frying. Bake, grill, or broil food instead.
• Avoid or limit:
  • Chocolate.
  • Peppermint or spearmint.
  • Alcohol.
  • Pepper.
  • Black and decaffeinated coffee.
  • Black and decaffeinated tea.
  • Bubbly (carbonated) soft drinks.
  • Caffeinated energy drinks and soft drinks.
• Limit high-fat foods such as:
  • Fatty meat or fried foods.
  • Whole milk, cream, butter, or ice cream.
  • Nuts and nut butters.
  • Pastries, donuts, and sweets made with butter or shortening.
• Avoid foods that cause symptoms. These foods may be different for everyone. Common foods that cause symptoms include:
  • Tomatoes.
  • Oranges, lemons, and limes.
  • Peppers.
  • Spicy food.
  • Onions and garlic.
  • Vinegar.

Lifestyle

• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor what weight is healthy for you. If you need to lose weight, work with your doctor to do so safely.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes for 5 or more days each week, or as told by your doctor.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Do notsmoke. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Sleep with the head of your bed higher than your feet. Use a wedge under the mattress or blocks under the bed frame to raise the head of the bed.

Summary

• When you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), food and lifestyle choices are very important in easing your symptoms.
• Eat small meals often instead of 3 large meals a day. Eat your meals slowly, and in a place where you are relaxed.
• Limit high-fat foods such as fatty meat or fried foods.
• Avoid bending over or lying down until 2–3 hours after eating.
• Avoid peppermint and spearmint, caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate.