Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder characterized by a weakening of the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter. As a result, stomach acid has the potential to rise up into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest.
GERD clearly causes pain and discomfort to the sufferer. Don’t worry though, there are ways to prevent it. One of them is by avoiding foods that can increase the symptoms and severity of GERD. Come on, see the complete list below!
1. Fast food
illustration of fast food, junk food, or fast food (freepik.com/wayhomestudio)Let’s admit together, this one food is too tempting to ignore. sadly fast food or fast food is suspected to be the main actor triggering the severity of GERD. This is stated in a study published in the journal Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny 2014 which looked at the relationship between diet and GERD symptoms.
Reported HealthlineFast food, especially those processed by frying, can reduce pressure on the lower esophageal valve and slow gastric emptying. This can trigger an increase in stomach acid. Therefore, limit the consumption of these foods, yes!
2. Spicy food
spicy food illustration (freepik.com/Freepik)As Indonesians, it is natural that we find it difficult to let go of spicy food. However, like it or not, if you have GERD you have to reduce, limit, or avoid it. According to studies in Journal of Thoracic Disease In 2019, spicy food can trigger irritation of the lining of the esophagus.
This is due to the presence of capsaicin, which is a compound that creates a spicy taste in food. Irritation can later cause pain that is similar to the symptoms of GERD when it recurs. Furthermore, it can also trigger an increase in stomach acid. Better to hold on to spicy food first, yes!
Read also: Vonoprazan, a new innovation for the treatment of GERD
3. Some fruits and vegetables
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Editor’s picks
orange illustration (pexels.com/Pixabay)Fruits and vegetables have long been known to bring many health benefits. However, there are exceptions for people with special conditions, such as people with GERD. Therefore, some fruits and vegetables need to be limited in their intake because of the risk of triggering an increase in stomach acid.
Reported Johns Hopkins MedicineThese fruits and vegetables include tomatoes, pineapples, onions, and the citrus fruit group, such as oranges and lemons. Instead, you can eat watermelon and melon which are high in water content and bananas which are alkaline.
4. Chocolate
illustration of people eating chocolate (freepik.com/lookstudio)GERD sufferers who like chocolate should grieve, because chocolate is a food that can trigger an increase in stomach acid and a risk of exacerbating GERD symptoms. This is presented through a study in the journal Current Medicinal Chemistry year 2019.
This is because the cocoa in chocolate triggers the relaxation of the esophageal valve, thereby opening it and allowing stomach acid to rise. Of course this is the cause of the burning sensation in the chest.
5. Caffeine and alcohol
illustration of drinking coffee (pexels.com/Roman Odintsov)American College of Gastroenterology and National Institute of Health agree that caffeine is a compound that GERD sufferers need to avoid because it triggers an increase in stomach acid. It’s the same with alcohol. Even so, you can still consume it within reasonable limits, for example once a week.
That’s a list of foods that need to be avoided to prevent the severity of GERD symptoms. Instead, eat foods that are alkaline, such as bananas, cauliflower, beans, high-fiber foods, and foods that contain lots of water to relieve symptoms.
Also read: GERD Anxiety: Definition, Symptoms, Relationship, and Treatment
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