GERD diet

GERD diet

A diet planned in a manner which would forbid or shorten acid reflux is easy to adopt. The staple food categories of cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats can be eaten with only minor restrictions. Vitamin C supplements would need to be increased if your tolerance towards citrus is low.




Fried or fatty foods, spicy, pungent and hot foods, mints including spearmint and peppermint, gum of any kind whether in candy, sweets or desserts, oils, confections, creamed milk, all kinds of caffeinated and carbonated drinks must be kept off completely. These foods not only cause the buildup of acid but also irritate an already aggravated lower esophagus. The above foods need to be controlled even after the condition has improved as these food groups have the tendency to cause a recurrence.


Meals during lunch and dinner must be eaten slowly and in small portions to reduce the pressure on the digestive system. Any and all kinds of meals must be eaten at least 4 hours bedtime or retiring for the day.

Simple deep breathing exercises such deep inhaling and exhaling before bedtime is a good habit as this promotes the flow of oxygen and stimulates the nervous system and most importantly aids in quicker digestion and elimination. 

• Avoid smoking or using tobacco in any form. Tea and coffee are harmful as they flag the lower esophageal muscles.
• Do not chew gums or any kind of candies as the increase amount of swallowed air might cause belching. Eat some almonds to get relief.
• Avoid eating late in the nights and do not lie down immediately after having your meals.
• Eat smaller and frequent meals and take healthy snacks like nuts, fruits or light vegetable soups.
• Exercise regularly; lose extra weight if you are obese or overweight. Concentrate on deep breathing exercises and try to remain calm.
• Sleep on a bed whose head has been elevated by around 7 inches to avert reflux.
• Junk foods, spicy foods, processed foods, carbonated drinks, fats, desserts, beef, tomatoes fried foods, oils, chocolate and citrus fruits should be avoided at all times.
• Skim or low fat milk, low fat yoghurt, vegetables, raw vegetable salads, fruits like apples, bananas, peaches, pears and berries, fish, lean meat, fruit juices and herbal tea are highly recommended diet for GERD.
• Drink coconut water, buttermilk or cumin water for keeping your stomach cool. You can sip these fluids along with your meals or drink them throughout the day.