West Shore Endoscopy Center | Patient Education
		Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet Purpose The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. However, it is not just a simple tube. The lower esophagus has a specialized muscle around it that usually stays tightly closed, opening only to allow food and liquid into the stomach. It acts to prevent the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Symptoms occur when this specialized muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. These symptoms include heartburn, chest discomfort, and bitter fluid flowing up into the mouth. Chest discomfort can occur. If the stomach juice trickles into the breathing tubes, hoarseness, cough, and even shortness of breath can occur. This entire problem is called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). A number of factors, including certain foods, may cause the lower esophageal muscle to relax, causing GERD. Nutrition Facts A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux is usually easy to follow. The basic food groups of cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats can be eaten with only a few limitations. So, this diet meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council. Special Considerations The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food. The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms: Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle. Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks. Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating. Eat small portions of food at mealtime. Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux. Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful. The following foods weaken the muscle valve in the lower esophagus, aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided: fatty or fried foods peppermint and spearmint whole milk oils chocolate creamed foods or soups The following foods irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and may need to be limited or avoided: citrus fruit and juices coffee (regular and decaffeinated) grapefruit, orange, caffeinated soft drinks pineapple, tomato The following foods strengthen the muscle valve in the lower esophagus and help to prevent acid reflux. low-fat, high protein foods low-fat carbohydrates (bread, cereal, pasta, crackers) calcium, as in fat-free milk and low-fat yogurt Food Groups Group Recommend Avoid Milk or milk Products skim, 1% or 2% low-fat milk; low-fat or fat-free yogurt whole milk (4%), chocolate milk Vegetables all other vegetables fried or creamy style vegetables, tomatoes Fruits apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches, pears citrus: such as oranges, grapefruit, pineapple Breads & grains all those made with low-fat content any prepared with whole milk or high-fat Meat, meat substitutes low-fat meat, chicken, fish, turkey cold cuts, sausage, bacon, fatty meat, chicken fat/skin Fat, oils none or small amounts all animal or vegetable oils Sweets & desserts all itmes made with no or low fat (less than or equal to 3 g fat/serving) chocolate, desserts made with oils and/or fats Beverages decaffeinated, nonmint herbal tea; juices (excepth citrus); water alcohol, coffee (regular or decaffeinated), carbonated beverages Soups fat-free or low-fat based chicken, beef, milk, or cream-based soups. Related Diseases Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD) | GERD | Barrett's Esophagus | Esophagitis and Stricture | Heartburn and Reflux | Hiatus Hernia Related Procedures Peptic Ulcer Disease This material does not cover all information and is not intended as a subsitute for professional care. Please consult with your physician on any matters regarding your health. © Copyright Chek Med Systems®, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
		Patient Ed | Diseases | Procedures | Diets | Drugs | Endoscopy Images | Link West Shore Endoscopy Center 423 North 21st Street Suite 102 Camp Hill, PA 17011 Phone: 717-975-2430 Fax: 717-730-2158 Email: info@endowsec.com © Copyright 2003 West Shore Endoscopy Center. All Rights Reserved.