The GERD Diet: Food and Lifestyle

ByDavid Chenny

A GERD diet is simply a diet with goals to reduce the frequency of symptoms from GERD that occurs and to eliminate it eventually. So what is GERD? GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is when the acidic and bile contents of the stomach refluxes back from the stomach into the esophagus.

This happens because the muscle between the esophagus and stomach, called the lower esophagus sphincter, is not working properly. This muscle is designed to prevent the stomach's contents back into the esophagus.

The esophagus is not able to handle the acid and bile, as it does not have the protective lining that stomach has. This causes the inflammation of the esophagus, which is often called heartburn. Other symptoms include indigestion, dry coughing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and asthma.

If symptoms are ignored, you may get esophagus cancer. Therefore, you should follow the GERD diet. Not only will you live longer but you will also live a pain free life.

Foods to Avoid

All diary products: If you want to drink milk, you should only drink low fat or fat free milk. Avoid whole milk at all costsNo oils or foods high in fat- things like chips, cheese sauce, etcTomato based Products- includes spaghetti sauceAll citrus fruits, pineapple and grapes- Instead you can eat fruits like apple, bananas, or peachesCoffee or any caffeinated beveragesMintSweetsSpicy FoodsAlcoholMeats that are higher in fatGums and hard candy: By chewing on these, you take in air into your stomach that causes reflux

Foods to eat

Eat white meat- they tend to be lower in fatLow fat, high fiber items- oatmealGinger- acts as an anti-inflammatoryBeans- they are low in fat and high in protein and fiber

Remember to take note of foods that make symptoms worst for you.

Just by avoiding certain foods and eating certain foods, symptoms are likely to lessen in frequency and intensity, but in order to fully eliminate GERD, you need to make certain lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes to help Eliminate GERD

Quit smoking: You guys probably know smoking is bad in general, but smoking weakens the lower esophagus muscle.

Eat smaller meals: But eat more frequently. This will not put too much pressure on your stomach and allow your stomach to digest it better. By eating large meals, it can cause the spleen to overproduce acid

Eat at consistent intervals: When eating at inconsistent times and also binge eating, this can cause symptoms of GERD to worsen.

Lose excess weight: Extra weight puts unneeded pressure on the stomach; thereby, the stomach creates more acid reflux. If you follow the GERD diet listed above, you should naturally lose weight but you should exercise as well.

By eating the correct foods and make lifestyle changes you will be able to get rid of your GERD. However before going on this diet, or any diet, you should consult with a medical professional. Follow this diet, and you should be able to get rid of your GERD.

Learn some quick and easy treatments for GERD for FREE. And visit GERD Diet HQ, If you want eliminate GERD and learn more about it.

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Health and Fitness: Weight-Loss
David Chenny

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MLA Style Citation:
Chenny, David".".31 Jan. 2012EzineArticles.com.3 Feb. 2012 .APA Style Citation:
Chenny, D. (2012, January 31). . Retrieved February 3, 2012, from http://ezinearticles.com/?The-­GERD-­Diet:-­Food-­and-­Lifestyle&id=6850917Chicago Style Citation:
Chenny, David "." EzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?The-­GERD-­Diet:-­Food-­and-­Lifestyle&id=6850917EzineArticles.com© 2012 EzineArticles.com
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