GERD is a disease that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and in turn the stomach contents end up leaking back into the esophagus. This can result in pain because the contents of the stomach usually contain a lot of acid and pepsin which can cause inflammation and even damage to the lining of the stomach.
Also known as acid reflux, GERD can range from being so mild that it is hardly even noticeable at all to being so severe that it is often actually debilitating. The pain can be so intense that sufferers are unable to move and do their regular everyday activities.
GERD Diets
GERD diets are diets that are specifically designed to work for sufferers of the GERD condition and help to relieve their symptoms. This is important because there are certain foods that are going to create more acid in the stomach, thereby creating heartburn and acid reflux.
GERD diets can vary and be customized depending on the foods that you like and dislike, but there are a few basic foods that you should absolutely include and a few that you should always stay away from.
Fatty and fried foods, peppermint and spearmint, whole milk, chocolate, creamed foods and soups, coffee, citrus fruits and juices, and tea should all be avoided because they all aggravate acid reflux.
GERD diets should also include a lot of exercise, as this will help your body to digest food quicker and reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Besides exercise you should avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating, eat small frequent meals rather than fewer larger meals throughout the day, and quit any unhealthy habits you may have such as smoking or excessive drinking of alcohol.
If you are interested in creating customized GERD diets for yourself or someone you know suffering from the condition, then you will want to speak to your doctor or even with a nutritionist. They will be able to work together with you taking your particular circumstances into consideration and ensuring that you begin following a diet that is perfectly suited to you and your condition and which is going to benefit you the most.
By following this GERD diet and living as generally healthy a lifestyle as you can, you will not only be able to relieve symptoms that you are presently experiencing but as well will be able to prevent acid reflux in the future.
