Surprising Trigger Foods For GERD

Heartburn is the burning sensation individuals experience when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It is quite painful. Sometimes this is no more than an occasional irritation, but chronic heartburn does progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition results in heartburn and acid reflux at least twice a week over a long period. GERD often causes damage to the esophagus since the stomach acid flows back up so often. Food is a serious trigger for episodes of heartburn in GERD.

There is heartburn relief medication available, including GERD over-the-counter options. Indigestion tablets are also available. That said, lifestyle changes are still necessary, since this condition is a lifelong one.

Anything With Caffeine

Caffeine is a major trigger for GERD and its heartburn since most items with caffeine are very acidic. Unfortunately, avoiding caffeine in food is hard. The obvious things to avoid are coffee, dark soda, and many kinds of tea. This includes green tea and even flavored lattes. However, individuals must still look at labels on food and drinks carefully. There is caffeine in desserts made with chocolate, after all. Packaged foods are the most concerning in terms of caffeine, since they contain many added ingredients like this.

Individuals who have a lot of caffeine every day must reduce their consumption slowly. This will hopefully let them avoid serious caffeine withdrawal. A major sign of caffeine withdrawal is severe headaches. They should start by cutting their intake down by 25 percent and maintain the new amount for a few days to a week. They can then cut another quarter or even half off. This should be done every few days until they are no longer consuming caffeine.

Do not waste time and get the details on how fat triggers GERD next.

Foods High In Fat

Fatty foods are harder to digest, so the fat sits in the stomach for longer. This blocks it up, letting acid flow back into the esophagus and triggering an episode of GERD. Unfortunately, foods that are high in fat are everywhere. Both major forms of fat, saturated and unsaturated, cause issues with digestion. Those with GERD will need to avoid avocados, bacon, many salad dressings, chicken thighs, and steak. Fast food is also very high in fat and must be avoided.

Once again, individuals must read labels on food carefully to see how much fat they contain. Fat is fine in moderation, but it can easily add up. Tracking intake is vital to avoid negative effects. Avoiding large meals helps too.

Spice is delicious. It also triggers GERD. Find out more now.