Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is among the most common digestive disorders affecting people of different age groups. It is a chronic condition that causes indigestion as well as a host of other symptoms, including acid reflux, cough, heartburn, nausea, etc. It occurs when the content of the stomach flows into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat and the stomach. In severe cases, this phenomenon can be fatal too.
Coping with this digestive disorder is not an easy task. Diet plays a crucial role in the management of GERD. Certain foods and drinks are known to cause distress in the esophageal lining and worsen the symptoms associated with this digestive disease. The trigger foods for GERD may vary from person to person. Here is a list of surprising trigger foods for GERD that every patient of this condition should be aware of.
1. Avocados
Avocados are enriched with nutrients as well as fat. Due to the high content of fat, avocados act as trigger foods for GERD symptoms. Eating avocados regularly may cause stomach acid to flow back to the esophagus and irritate the tissues, leading to heartburn. While avocados are a great source of health-benefiting nutrients, they also worsen GERD symptoms. Limiting the consumption of this fruit is highly recommended for individuals suffering from this illness.
2. Sparkling water
The fact that sparkling water contains carbon makes it one of the worst trigger foods for GERD. Though not everyone suffering from the condition may experience acid reflux after drinking sparkling water, there are a lot of people whose symptoms may worsen. If you suffer from frequent episodes of acid reflux, then staying away from sparkling water could prove to be highly beneficial.
3. Garlic
While it is common knowledge that spicy and high-fat fare are trigger foods for GERD, very few people are aware that garlic could also exacerbate the symptoms associated with this digestive disorder. The consumption of garlic may cause irritation in the lining of the esophagus in certain GERD patients. So, it is necessary to be wary while adding garlic to a recipe to ensure that you do not consume a high quantity of this trigger food.
4. Salty snacks
As per studies, salty snacks can trigger acid reflux in GERD patients. The consumption of salty snacks causes a burning sensation in the throat and may lead to indigestion. Certain GERD-friendly snacks contain a lesser quantity of salt for effective prevention and management of these symptoms. You can feast on these healthy snacks to ensure the symptoms are not triggered and you get to enjoy delicious food too.
While high-fat foods, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, and dairy products, are known to be the most common trigger foods for GERD, the above-mentioned foods and drinks can also lead to acid reflux. The best practice is to maintain a diet diary to keep track of the food items that trigger GERD symptoms in you. Jot down the foods that worsen acid reflux and limit their consumption for effective management of this chronic digestive disease.
