Reduce GERD Risks By Eating the Right Foods
Finding a good diet for GERD patients is crucial in order to help them avoid the pain and discomfort usually associated with this disorder. Just by making some changes to the kinds of food you eat, you can greatly reduce your risks of suffering from GERD, or even prevent the condition from occurring altogether.
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common digestive problem resulting from the back-flow of stomach acids up into the esophageal tube. There are certain foods that can trigger this disease but there are also foods that can prevent it. In order to create an effective diet for heartburn sufferers, you will need to learn some things about these foods.
Excess Weight – One Of The Causes of GERD
The main idea behind formulating a diet for GERD patients is to make sure that everything is taken in moderation. It is also essential that all unhealthy foods are avoided at all costs. Furthermore, studies have shown that excessive weight is one of the possible causes of GERD so it is also important to eat foods that will not make you gain more weight.
Diet For GERD Sufferers
According to health experts, the ideal diet for GERD patients should include several small meals taken several times during the day instead of just three large ones. These meals should consist largely of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat milk. Fish and lean meat are the recommended protein sources, along with beans and poultry.
Foods To Avoid GERD
Among the foods to be avoided are those that contain a lot of sugar, fat and acid, which can all cause further harm to someone who is already suffering from GERD. Specific foods that have commonly been cited as potential GERD causes are chocolates, tomato-based products and peppermints. Also, alcoholic and carbonated beverages and drinks that contain caffeine should be excluded from the diet for GERD patients. Instead, you should drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices to keep the body hydrated and toxin-free.
For some people, only a few minor changes need to be made to their regular diet but for others, a complete diet overhaul may be necessary. In the latter case, it might be a good idea to make the changes gradually so as to give your body ample time to adjust to your new healthier lifestyle. Once you start eating the right foods, you will notice the symptoms of GERD decreasing. Pretty soon, you will be living a GERD-free life, all thanks to good food and some determination.
Source by Charles K. Moore