{"id":1895,"date":"2018-07-14T08:21:39","date_gmt":"2018-07-14T08:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1895"},"modified":"2021-05-18T13:35:37","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T13:35:37","slug":"15-worst-foods-to-avoid-with-gerd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-worst-foods-to-avoid-with-gerd\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Worst Foods to Avoid with GERD"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Have you ever heard of GERD? It\u2019s short for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or Disorder, and we\u2019ll be referring to it as GERD for the rest of this article just because it\u2019s easier. It\u2019s a condition that affects approximately 20% of people who are already suffering from chronic heartburn or indigestion, and it\u2019s one of the more dangerous ways for the condition to manifest: GERD turns the condition into a chronic one, and one that can have serious implications for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Managing the condition is down to a combination of prescription medication and managing the symptoms by changing your diet: There are many foods which can aggravate GERD and make you feel considerably worse. If you want to feel better, start by cutting some of the foods in this list out of your diet and see how you feel afterwards. Here are 15 of the worst foods to avoid if you have been diagnosed with GERD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Grain Products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Grain products make up the staple diet of millions of people all over the world; but there are many people out there who simply can\u2019t consume grain products. This could be because of the fact that they suffer from wheat sensitivity or gluten intolerance, or it could be because of the fact that grain products are a hugely contributing factor to what\u2019s been causing their heartburn<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grain and wheat products like bread should be avoided if you have GERD, as it can cause indigestion and even stuff up the colon, causing a lot of pain and discomfort in the process. After GERD surgery, it\u2019s common to start craving bread and other wheat products \u2013 and the cause of this craving isn\u2019t completely known \u2013 but you should cut down on grain products and ignore this craving if you have any problems with GERD at all. If the problem continues despite dietary changes, you should see your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Meats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s estimated that approximately 60 million people in the United States will experience an attack of indigestion <\/a>and heartburn at least once a month; of this measured statistic, about 15 million people say that they experience chronic attacks of heartburn at least once a day. Of these statistics, about 20% of the people measured will develop the condition we\u2019ve already described as GERD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are trying to cut down on instances of heartburn associated with GERD after you have been diagnosed, then one of the first things your doctor will tell you to cut down on is meat. Especially meats that are heavy in fat-content will be more likely to trigger a heartburn attack, and it could even settle in your gut and add to the problem further. Did you know that meat can take weeks to months to digest in the colon? Combined with GERD, this can be dangerous to your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Caffeine in Various Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Caffeine <\/a>is contained in (obviously) coffee and certain types of teas; but you\u2019ll also find it in less obvious sources, including in places like chocolate and your shampoo. You also might find caffeine in certain types of candies, soft drinks and energy drinks. If you have serious problems with GERD, then you should be avoiding any and all forms of caffeine \u2013 even in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why? Caffeine is a natural pesticide \u2013 and many insects cannot stand it in its natural forms. The same effect that kills bugs tends to irritate the stomach lining in people, and this will only add to any problems that you might already have with indigestion or your intestinal tract. If you love the taste of coffee \u2013 or add it to a lot of your baking \u2013 then you could always consider switching over to decaf for all of the great taste with zero of the caffeine and buzz-effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Any Overly Acidic Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, you should know that the worst enemy of GERD is anything that adds to the acid that\u2019s already in your stomach or helps your stomach to produce more acid on top of what it\u2019s already producing. This means that you should be avoiding any foods that are overly acidic or that aid in acid production: This includes the obvious culprits like tomatoes and fizzy drinks, but also includes some less obvious things like dairy <\/a>products (milk, cheese and most types of yoghurt) that will only make you feel worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consuming trigger foods when you have a condition like GERD can be dangerous enough to land you in hospital with your symptoms. More trigger foods are any sauces and spices that contain too much acidic-flavour \u2013 that means anything with chilli, too much pepper or vinegar-based is eliminated from your diet, usually even in moderate consumption, if you want to stay healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Citrus fruits\/juices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of foods that are overly acidic, we\u2019ve already gone over many of them in this article \u2013 but what about citrus fruits<\/a>? These are such a big problem to GERD sufferers that it deserves a separate section on its own. The class known as citrus encompasses several types of fruits and vegetables including oranges and lemons \u2013 and all of these should best be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They add to the stomach acid that\u2019s already in the stomach, and can only burn your already-sensitive insides further. It\u2019s not limited to just consuming the fruit, but also any derivatives thereof \u2013 including the flavourings that you might find in candies. The same is true for fruit juice, and you should avoid any overly acidic juices at the same time \u2013 including, of course, orange juice. Switch to something more neutral like apple if you have GERD and you need to find some relief from your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Carbonated beverages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 2011, studies found that instances of GERD are on the increase \u2013 and that cases have almost doubled in the past ten years. You might have also noticed that portion sizes and sodas <\/a>are getting bigger, and have leaped in size over the past ten years and gradually lowered in price-per-volume. This is for good reason, and it\u2019s just another way for soda companies to make their products easier to access so that you will drink and buy more of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have been diagnosed with GERD, then you should cut carbonated beverages out of your diet immediately: No buts. No compromises. The carbonation affects the GERD directly by going straight to your stomach, and this could cause damage in the long run and make the condition much, much worse. If you have to drink a soda, do it with the bubbles removed instead. If not, you will face severe stomach pain and other symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have been diagnosed with GERD, then it\u2019s likely that your doctor, pharmacist or diet specialist will have told you to make some small dietary changes in your life to make living with the condition easier in the long run. It almost goes without saying that all of these changes will be for a better lifestyle<\/a>, and you will likely have to start cutting out things like the bad fats that you find in take-out food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which, sometimes, can be a huge part of the problem. You should also be cutting out alcohol if your diet becomes a problem. The effects of alcohol can only make the symptoms of GERD worse, and GERD can even affect the way in which you are able to absorb nutrients and alcohol \u2013 a sure way to find yourself on the way to the emergency room. If you have trouble quitting, then seek professional help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Mints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have been diagnosed with GERD, then you should be avoiding any and all forms of mint<\/a>. A lot of people will be surprised to find out that mint is not just one plant, but several types \u2013 amongst which is mint and spearmint, the two most common types you will encounter. Catnip happens to be part of the same family of plants, and catnip and mint are very closely related.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peppermint and spearmint are both known for affecting the stomach lining, and the cool \u201crush\u201d feeling that it gives you will also happen internally: For most people, this is fine and can even be pleasant. For anyone suffering from GERD, it\u2019s enough to make the symptoms much worse. Avoid mint and peppermint found in any types of candies, and check the ingredients list of any medications: Many of them contain one of the two as a flavourant to make the medicine go down easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Tomatoes and Tomato-Based Products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve already said in this article that you should be avoiding any acidic types of foods, and this generally includes tomatoes<\/a>; there are many diets which exclusively prohibit the eating of tomatoes, and this includes a diet that\u2019s trying to take care of a stomach ulcer as well as a diet that\u2019s trying to cut down on instances of GERD. Tomatoes are acidic, and can make instances of heartburn and ulcers appear more frequently \u2013 or be much worse when they happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What many people don\u2019t think of is the fact that you should be avoiding any tomato-based products at the same time. This includes things like pizza bases and many sauces; it will also include things like tomato sauce and chutneys which might contain tomatoes. This will also include tomato flavouring, including what you find on most types of tomato crisps. If you happen to be suffering from GERD, avoid!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Fried Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have any issues with GERD, then you should start by cutting any and all fried foods out of your diet, too. This includes foods that have been fried-to-death and options that you already know are unhealthy for you. Think of things like fried cheese sandwiches, fried bacon<\/a> or fried hamburgers. This also includes deep-fried foods such as deep-fried hake. It contains too much fat and too much oil, and you are going to make yourself much sicker if you are suffering from GERD. Avoid, avoid and avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that \u201cfried foods\u201d are going to encompass a wide variety of foods and will even include a lot of desserts \u2013 such as donuts. There are many ways to make such food options and alternatives healthier, including substituting olive oil instead of sunflower for shallow frying, or switching to coconut oil instead. You might have to change your entire diet plan: Do so with recommendations from your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Spiced Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should avoid any foods that are extremely spicy if you have been diagnosed with GERD. This includes the most obvious things like chilli\u2019s, stews, curries; it will also include anything that\u2019s been seasoned to death. It can also include anything to which spicy dressing has been added, so also remember that you will need to cut out things like tomato sauce (for the reasons mentioned above) and chilli sauces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these things can make the symptoms of GERD worse, and if you have existing issues with a stomach ulcer<\/a>, then GERD combined with this and the spicy foods that you have been taking in can instantly make you sick. It can even cause internal bleeding. If you love spiced foods, tone it down for a while and visit a nutritional specialist to find out what you can and can\u2019t do with your diet. Make an appointment with your doctor if the problem persists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Snacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are trying to stay healthy, lose weight, recover after surgery <\/a>or manage an intestinal condition such as GERD, then you should be watching what you eat with care \u2013 but you should also keep a close eye on what you snack on inbetween meals. Snacking can be one of the worst culprits to damaging your health, and if you aren\u2019t snacking on healthy stuff then it will show in your health in all sorts of ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, there are healthy snack alternatives that will not aggravate your GERD \u2013 try to avoid any fibre or health bars that can make your problem worse and shy away from chocolate and too much sugar. Instead of buying frozen chips, switch over to oven-baked and do it yourself \u2013 with your own level of seasoning. Small changes like this can make a huge difference to how you feel if you are struggling with GERD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Other Vegetables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve already mentioned that you should be avoiding any vegetables <\/a>that are overly acidic: This includes those we\u2019ve already gone over in this article like tomatoes. But there are also a range of other vegetables that you should be avoiding. These are the things that you already know tend to cause gas in most people, even those who do not have any kind of digestive issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, cabbage should be avoided if you have GERD \u2013 and the same is true for things such as peas. Corn in most forms is another vegetable that\u2019s hard for the body to process and digest \u2013 so it should be avoided if you have digestive issues, issues with your gut or have been diagnosed with GERD. Cut these vegetables out of your diet and see how well your symptoms are managed as a result. If this doesn\u2019t work for you, make an appointment with your doctor so the source of your discomfort can be found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Garlic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have any issues with your gut or GERD, then you should steer clear of garlic and anything that might contain it. Check what\u2019s in the ingredients list if you are buying anything off the shelf, and find out if you are ordering anything from a restaurant or fast food joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also be avoiding garlic if you have any issues with your heart, liver or blood pressure: Garlic <\/a>is known to interfere with many medications, their effect and the way they are absorbed by the liver, and could get in the way of your treatment. Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether garlic is safe to include in your diet or take as a supplement. Garlic also has a habit of upsetting the stomach \u2013 and can affect the breath! For this, use parsley after eating garlic \u2013 or just cut it out of your diet completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Onions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Onions <\/a>are another culprit that can be tied to a lot of digestive upsets, including heartburn and the causes leading to GERD. It could be the reason behind a severe flare-up of your symptoms, and the same is true for both raw and fried onions \u2013 though the effect might be worse with raw onions. If you experience any kind of discomfort after you eat something containing onions, the best thing is to cut it out of your diet and see how you do from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are your symptoms any better? How about worse? Make note of this and visit your doctor so that they can find out if you are simply experiencing heartburn due to your diet or if it\u2019s in fact a symptom of something like GERD that is only making the symptoms of what\u2019s wrong with your body worse. Never leave something that can cause issues with your health untreated for too long!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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