What Foods Should I Avoid If I Have GERD?

Dr. Sheth answers the question: 'Foods That Make GERD Worse?'

ByABC News
December 22, 2008, 3:55 PM

September 9, 2009— -- Question: What foods should I avoid if I have GERD?

Answer: Dietary modification can be helpful in patients with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease. Patients with symptoms once or twice weekly can often stay off of medications just by modifying their diet. The list of gastroesophageal reflux inducing foods is quite long but there are some common triggers that patients should be aware of. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and soda are clear culprits, as well as fatty foods, foods containing tomato-base sauces or tomato products, chocolate, as well as excessive alcohol consumption.

Decreasing or limiting these items completely from their diet can often achieve relief of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in a majority of patients. Patients, for whom dietary modification does not offer relief, should seek further advice from their physician regarding medication treatment.