Foods to eat with GERD include pasta, but tomato or cream sauces are not allowed. Acidic or dairy-based sauces are known to worsen stomach problems. Broth-based sauces are the better choice, as well as whole-wheat pasta instead of regular pasta choices. The increased intake of fiber will help control your symptoms.
Skipping meals or eating certain foods can lead to acidity at times. Also known as heartburn, acid reflux leaves a burning sensation in the lower chest area, when the stomach acid moves up into the food pipe.
Similarly, if a person does not eat for a long period of time, acid may build up in the stomach in preparation for digesting the next meal. This may cause hunger pains and contribute to GERD symptoms such as heartburn.
Eating small portions every 4 to 6 hours is a good eating pattern for people with GERD.
Drinking water during the later stages of digestion can reduce acidity and GERD symptoms. Often, there are pockets of high acidity, between a pH or 1 and 2, just below the esophagus. By drinking tap or filtered water a little while after a meal, you can dilute the acid there, which can result in less heartburn.
Whole grains — High fiber, whole-grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain breads help stop symptoms of acid reflux. They are a good source of fiber and may help absorb stomach acid. Lean protein — Low-fat, lean sources of protein also reduce symptoms. Good choices are chicken, seafood, tofu, and egg whites.
Potatoes — either boiled or baked and prepared without high-fat toppings — are a good option to help you prevent acid reflux.
Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers – These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach – and won't cause painful gas. Brown rice – This complex carbohydrate is mild and filling – just don't serve it fried. Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Avocado: Despite being high in fat, avocados are rich in healthy fats, which can settle your stomach and prevent acid reflux symptoms.
A 100% whole grain bread is a particularly healthy choice for people with acid reflux. Rather than containing only whole wheat, it can include other whole grains, so it provides a broader spectrum of nutrients.
Heartburn is most common after eating a large meal. A belly full of too much food stretches the stomach, causing you to feel "stuffed." Stomach stretching, or distention, puts pressure on the LES, the ring of muscle that keeps stomach acids from moving in the wrong direction.
Bananas for stomach acid are considered safe because they have alkaline (alkaline) properties. In addition, this fruit is also considered to help balance the acid in the stomach so that symptoms of acid reflux or GERD can be prevented.
Water. In general, drinking water can help balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal, which may help to lower the risk of acid reflux. Studies show that drinking mineral water with a high hydrogen carbonate content can help to alleviate the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include: Smoking. Eating large meals or eating late at night. Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods.