Got GERD? Eat This Way to Help Avoid Symptoms
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, Nov. 24, 2023 -- Some folks feasting this holiday have to contend with gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.
In fact, about one-third of the population is affected by this chronic condition, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
That’s why it is providing tips on how to manage this digestive disorder, as part of GERD Awareness Week Nov. 19-25.
“Diet plays a crucial role in the management of GERD. Certain foods and eating habits can exacerbate symptoms, while others can provide relief and improve the overall quality of life for individuals dealing with GERD,” academy spokeswoman Julie Stefanski, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Baltimore, Md., said in an academy release.
GERD occurs when stomach acid regurgitates into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, nausea or vomiting, the academy says.
If left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious illnesses like esophageal cancer.
Stefanski says people who want to manage their GERD should:
-
Avoid trigger foods that cause or worsen GERD symptoms, like mint, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods and spicy foods.
-
Eat smaller, frequent meals throughout the day to reduce pressure on the stomach and esophagus.
-
Limit fatty foods and added butter and oils in your diet, choosing instead baked, broiled or steamed options and getting your protein from lean meats, poultry, fish, tofu and beans.
Consulting with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) also can help GERD sufferers, Stefanski said. They can help develop a personalized nutrition plan around an individual’s specific needs and triggers.
“By making informed dietary choices and working closely with a RDN, individuals can gain better control over GERD symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling life,” Stefanski said.
Sources
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, news release, Nov. 20, 2023
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted November 2023
Read this next
With Bird Flu a Threat, FDA Asks Some States to Curb Sales of Raw Milk
FRIDAY, June 7, 2024 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday asked states to work harder to protect the public from the risks of raw milk as a bird flu outbreak...
Few Heart Attack Survivors Get Expert Advice on Diet
WEDNESDAY, June 5, 2024 -- Less than one-quarter of people who survive serious heart conditions receive the dietary counseling needed to protect their future health, a new study...
Lawsuit Claims Poppi Soda Not as Gut-Healthy as Company Says
TUESDAY, June 4, 2024 -- The popular prebiotic sodas known as Poppi may not be quite as good for your gut as the company claims. In a class-action lawsuit filed last week in U.S...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.
