Home
Our Registered Dietitians
Our Services
Cost & Insurance Info
MDD Info Library
Individuals & Families
Corporate Wellness
Health Care Providers
Referring Practitioners
Cancellation Policy
MNT Info
FAQs
Favorite Links
Testimonials
Forms
Directions
Contact

Se Habla Español

You may translate our site using the tool below:

Our Registered Dietitians are specialists in nutrition. We provide our clients with a personal meal plan that is customized to meet the needs of the individual, based on your lifestyle and food preferences. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

When you swallow, food goes from your throat, down your esophagus, through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and into your stomach. When the LES does not close properly, the stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus.

This backflow of acid from the stomach can irritate and sometimes damage the lining of the inside of the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation, commonly called heartburn. Occasional heartburn is common, but if heartburn occurs more than two times per week, it is possibly gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Symptoms of GERD

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of stomach acid into the mouth
• Difficulty and/or pain when swallowing
• Chest pain
• Excessive clearing of the throat
• The feeling that food is stuck in your throat
• Burning sensation in the mouth

Factors that may contribute to GERD

• Pregnancy
• Overweight
• Alcohol use
• Smoking
• Medications that delay emptying of the stomach or that increase the backup of acid into the esophagus

Foods that may have an association with reflux events

• Citrus fruits:
  Oranges
  Grapefruit
  Lemons
  Limes
• Spicy foods
• Chocolate
• Caffeinated beverages:
  Tea
  Coffee
  Cola
• High-fat foods:
  Oil
  Butter
  Desserts
  Fried foods
• Raw garlic
• Raw onions
• Mint flavorings:
  Peppermint oil
  Spearmint oil
• Tomato-based foods:
  Spaghetti sauce
  Pizza
  Chili

Lifestyle changes that may help manage GERD

• Raise the head of your bed by 6²−8² by placing blocks of wood under the bedposts, instead of using extra pillows
• Eat a low-fat diet
• Avoid alcohol
• Stop smoking, if you smoke
• Maintain a healthy body weight—lose weight if necessary
• Eat smaller meals
• Wear loose-fitting clothing
• Drink liquids between meals, instead of with meals
• Avoid lying down, bending over, or straining after eating
• Do no lie down for at least 3 hours after a meal
• Chew gum after meals to help neutralize stomach acid

Other help and resources

• Work with a registered dietitian to develop an eating plan that is right for you
• Check out other sources of information:
  The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA): www.gastro.org 
  The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG): www.acg.gi.org

References and recommended readings

AstraZeneca. Learn more about GERD. Learn more about treatment options. 
Available at: http://www.gerd.com. 
Accessed April 26, 2011.

Catalgo CB, DeBruyne LK, Whitney EN. Nutrition and Diet Therapy: Principles and Practice. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth; 2003.

Cleveland Clinic. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 
Available at: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/1600/1697.asp?index=7042. 
Accessed April 26, 2011.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Heartburn, gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 
Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd. 
Accessed April 26, 2011.

Contributed by Carol S. Casey, RD, CDN

Review Date 4/11
G-1595