Say Goodbye to GERD!

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A little reflux is normal. In fact, it can happen several times a day in healthy people without causing any symptoms or injury. But a growing number of people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — frequent reflux marked by severe symptoms, like heartburn, as well as damage to the esophagus, throat, or respiratory tract.

The stomach has a tough lining that protects it from its own digestive juices, but the esophagus doesn’t. Frequent reflux can irritate, inflame, and damage the delicate lining of the esophagus.

With GERD, you’ll probably get better results cutting out foods and drinks that trigger the condition than to try and find foods to make it better.

Most importantly, start cutting fatty foods out of your diet. They cause the stomach to empty slower, so food and acid stick around longer.

Other prime candidates for elimination include:

•  chocolate, garlic, onions, and greasy or spicy foods.
•  highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruit and juices and tomato products.
•  alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated beverages.
•  pepper, spearmint, peppermint, mustard, and vinegar.

If you think a certain food or drink is triggering GERD, stay away from it for several days and see if you feel better. And for a list of common foods linked to GERD, see page 67 of The Complete Guidebook to Digestive Health.

 

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  • FC&A Staff Writer