Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest. It also presents itself as regurgitation of food and stomach acid in the throat and mouth. For some people, this condition leads to chest pain, and it is usually caused by certain foods that are consumed. Trigger foods for GERD attacks generally differ from person to person.
The most common reason for GERD is the relaxing of the lower esophageal sphincter that acts as a barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. The relaxation of this bundle of muscles causes the acid from the stomach to escape into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Though there could be many trigger foods for GERD, the common ones include the following:
1. High-fat foods
Fat slows down the digestive process and subsequent emptying of the stomach, which is the cause of heartburn in most people. Trigger foods for GERD include fried foods, cheese, ice cream, meat, calcium-rich food products like milk, and high quantities of salt.
2. Carbonated drinks
The lower esophageal sphincter is under pressure when the stomach distends and bloats, and the most common reason for bloating is the carbonation in sodas. This is also a major contributor to nighttime heartburn.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol affects everyone differently, but it is definitely a trigger food for GERD. It is better to limit its consumption to one or two drinks at the most. Also, ensure that alcohol consumption is avoided two hours before going to bed.
4. Chocolates and mint
These trigger foods for GERD can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to loosen and can lead to acid reflux. Chewing gum is known to be beneficial as it enhances saliva production, which neutralizes stomach acid, but ensures that the peppermint variety is avoided. Eating it for the first time can help in knowing whether heartburn aggravates with the consumption of mint, chewing gum, or peppermint-flavored tea, and the consumption can be managed accordingly. Chocolates make the body release the happy hormone serotonin, which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, causing stomach acids to rise.
5. Garlic, onion, and spicy food
If fried foods and those that cause acidity have been eliminated, there is a high chance that other trigger foods for GERD like garlic, onion, and spicy foods are still part of the diet. Spices in food make it sit longer in the stomach, worsening heartburn, so they should be eliminated for an extended period of time on a trial basis.
6. Citrus fruits
Fruits like oranges, lemons, pineapples, and grapefruit are common trigger foods for GERD. A study involving 400 people suggested this as a majority of the people experienced heartburn after drinking citrus juices.
7. Tomatoes
The acid content in tomatoes is known to aggravate GERD, and foods containing processed tomatoes, like pasta, tomato juice, and tomato puree should also be avoided for the same reason.
8. Coffee
Coffee, with or without caffeine, stimulates the production of acid and can lead to the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter.