Diet for Esophageal Reflux
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 part of the esophagus has a specialized muscle around it that typically remains tightly closed, only opening to allow food and liquid into the stomach. This muscle functions to prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus.
Symptoms occur when this specialized muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. These symptoms may include heartburn, chest discomfort, and a bitter fluid sensation in the mouth. Chest discomfort can arise, and if stomach acid trickles into the breathing tubes, it can lead to hoarseness, coughing, and even shortness of breath. This condition is known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Several factors, including certain foods, can cause the lower esophageal muscle to relax, contributing to GERD.
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Nutrition Facts
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A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux is generally easy to follow. The basic food groups—cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats—can be consumed with only a few limitations. As a result, this diet typically meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) set by the National Research Council. If an individual does not tolerate citrus foods such as oranges and tomatoes, a vitamin C supplement may be necessary.
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Special Considerations
The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food. The following recommendations may help reduce symptoms:
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Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.
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Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air, which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux.
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Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.
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Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
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Eat small, frequent portions of food and snacks if needed.
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Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux.
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Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.
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The following foods aggravate acid reflux and should be avoided:
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Fatty or fried foods
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Peppermint and spearmint
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Whole milk
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Oils
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Chocolate
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Creamed foods or soups
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Most fast foods
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Diet for Esophageal Reflux
9. The following foods irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and may need to be limited or avoided:
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Citrus fruits and juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato)
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Coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
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Caffeinated soft drinks
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Tea
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Other caffeinated beverages
10. Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated by some individuals.
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
all animal or vegetable oils
Fat, oils
none or small amounts
fried or creamy style vegetables*, tomatoes
Sweets & desserts
none or small amounts
chocolate, desserts made with oils
and/or fats
Beverages
decaffeinated, non-mint herbal tea; juices (except citrus); water
alcohol, coffee (regular or decaffeinated), carbonated beverages, tea, mint tea
Soups
fat-free or low-fat based
chicken, beef, milk, or cream-based soups
*Individually determined
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