GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), sometimes also written as GORD, is a chronic condition of acid reflux disease characterized by long-term acid reflux causing inflammation in the esophagus commonly known as esophagitis.
There is a smooth muscle cluster called the lower esophageal sphincter present at the end of the esophagus that regulates the opening and closing of the stomach. When it malfunctions and fails to do so, it causes the reflux of acidic gastric contents from the stomach to the esophagus. This condition is known as acid reflux. When this refluxed acid enters the esophagus it leads to a heartburn sensation in the chest.
Risk factors for GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease includes various risk factors, such as.
Obesity
Hiatal hernia
Hyper acidity
Smoking and drinking habits,
In some cases of pregnancy, females suffer from GERD.
medication
Symptoms of GERD
Heartburn sensation in the chest
Asthma
Dysphagia
Asthma
laryngitis
Chest pain
Cough
Various eating and lifestyle habits can cause GERD.
Eating habits: According to the experts, various eating habits like consuming alcohol, smoking, overeating, fried food, chocolates, having carbonated drinks, high caffeine-containing beverages like tea coffee, spicy food, citrus fruits, onions, garlic, tomatoes, daily intake of meat and eggs, and high-fat meals can cause GERD by decreasing the pressure of the esophageal sphincter.
Lifestyle habits: Various lifestyle habits like skipping breakfast, having dinner less than three hours before sleeping, and midnight snacking.
Choosing food wisely is a key factor in minimizing the effects of GERD. Foods that are high in water like strawberries and fiber (nuts and seeds) are some good choices to go for, along with root vegetables like carrots or potatoes. Whereas ,there are foods you want to avoid, like spicy, fried, or acidic foods, since they make GERD worse
Dr. Neha Suryawanshi, Neha's Diet Clinic (Eclinic pan India)
Expert-recommended diet for management of GERD
Here are some dietary recommendations provided by the experts for the patients with GERD for its management.
Eating non-acidic fruits and fat-free or low-fat foods like bananas, apples, pears, and lean meats.
Non-acidic vegetables like broccoli, carrots, green beans, and potatoes can help manage GERD.
Instead of eating high-protein foods, consumption of lean proteins and incorporating whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread into the diet can provide relief.
Avoid eating fried food, oils, spicy food, alcohol, tea, coffee, and chocolate in excess. Having proper gaps in meals can help manage it.
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Herdiana, Yedi. 2023. "Functional Food in Relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)" Nutrients 15, no. 16: 3583. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163583
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(By Akashita Panjla)
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