What foods should I avoid for GERD?
Common GERD foods to avoid include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onions, and fatty or fried items. These foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort. Opting for smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding eating close to bedtime can also help manage GERD symptoms.
1
Mustard
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Mustard is acidic and can trigger acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. It is often made with vinegar and spices that can irritate the stomach and promote GERD symptoms.
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Sausage
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Sausages are typically high in fat and seasoning, which can relax the esophageal sphincter and promote acid reflux. The greasy nature of sausages can irritate the stomach and contribute to GERD flare-ups.
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Whole milk
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Whole milk is high in fat, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and trigger acid reflux. Fatty dairy products can slow digestion, leading to prolonged acid exposure in the stomach.
4
Coffee
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Coffee is acidic and contains caffeine, both of which can irritate the stomach lining and promote acid reflux. It can relax the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
5
Bacon
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Bacon is high in fat and salt, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux. Its greasy texture makes it difficult to digest, further worsening GERD symptoms.
6
Garlic
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Garlic can irritate the digestive system and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to enter the esophagus. It is a common GERD trigger.
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Spearmint
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Spearmint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, triggering GERD symptoms. Despite its soothing properties in other contexts, it can worsen reflux.
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Cinnamon
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Cinnamon can irritate the digestive tract in some individuals with GERD, causing heartburn and acid reflux. Spicy and strong-flavored foods, like cinnamon, are best avoided to prevent irritation.
9
Hot sauce
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Hot sauce contains chili peppers and vinegar, both of which are highly acidic and can irritate the stomach lining. The spiciness can trigger acid reflux, making hot sauce a food to avoid for GERD sufferers.
10
Peppermint
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Peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux. While it can soothe the stomach in some cases, it generally aggravates GERD by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
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Onions
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Onions, especially raw onions, are known to trigger heartburn and acid reflux. They contain compounds that can relax the esophageal sphincter and cause stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.
12
Steak
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Steak, particularly fattier cuts, can be hard to digest and may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux. The high-fat content can also cause indigestion, worsening GERD symptoms.
13
Cream sauce
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Cream sauces are high in fat, which can slow down digestion and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to move into the esophagus and trigger reflux.
14
Red chili powder
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Red chili powder is highly acidic and spicy, which can irritate the esophagus and trigger GERD symptoms. It can relax the esophageal sphincter and cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
15
Tomato sauce
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Tomato sauce is made from tomatoes, which are naturally acidic. The high acid content can exacerbate GERD symptoms by irritating the esophagus and promoting acid reflux.
16
Tomato
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Tomatoes are acidic and can irritate the stomach lining, causing acid reflux. Their acidity can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
17
Tangerine
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Tangerines are acidic fruits that can irritate the stomach lining and trigger GERD symptoms. Their high acidity can exacerbate acid reflux, leading to discomfort and heartburn.
18
Greasy foods
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Greasy foods, such as fried foods, are high in fat and difficult to digest. They can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and slow digestion, leading to prolonged exposure to stomach acid, which exacerbates GERD symptoms.
19
Pizza
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Pizza often contains high-fat cheese, tomato sauce (acidic), and spicy toppings, all of which can trigger acid reflux. The combination of fat, acidity, and spice can significantly aggravate GERD.
20
Thai food
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Thai food often contains spicy ingredients and acidic flavors, like lime and chili, which can irritate the stomach and increase acid reflux. The combination of heat and acidity can worsen GERD symptoms.
21
High-fat dairy
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High-fat dairy products, such as cream, full-fat cheese, and whole milk, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, worsening GERD symptoms.
22
Potato chips
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Potato chips are greasy and high in fat, which can trigger acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Their high salt content can also increase stomach acid production, leading to GERD symptoms.
23
French fries
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French fries are high in fat and fried in oil, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen GERD symptoms. Fried foods slow digestion, causing stomach acid to linger longer.
24
Orange
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Oranges are highly acidic, which can increase stomach acid production and irritate the stomach lining. The acidity can exacerbate GERD symptoms, causing heartburn and discomfort.
25
Cayenne pepper
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Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which can irritate the stomach lining and increase the production of stomach acid. It can trigger heartburn and acid reflux, making it a food to avoid for GERD sufferers.
26
Hot dogs
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Hot dogs are processed meats that are high in fat, sodium, and preservatives, all of which can aggravate GERD. The combination of fat and salt can increase acid production and lead to reflux.
27
Bell peppers
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While bell peppers are low in fat, they can cause issues for GERD sufferers, especially when eaten in large quantities. Their natural acidity can irritate the esophagus and promote acid reflux.
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Heavily spiced cuisine
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Heavily spiced foods, particularly those with strong spices like pepper, curry, or chili, can irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate GERD symptoms by stimulating acid production.
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Indian food
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Indian food is often spicy and includes acidic ingredients like tomatoes, which can aggravate GERD symptoms. The spices and rich sauces can increase stomach acid production, leading to reflux and heartburn.
30
Chocolate
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Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus, triggering reflux and heartburn.
31
Beer
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Beer is carbonated and contains alcohol, both of which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and trigger acid reflux. The carbonation and alcohol content can lead to bloating, indigestion, and discomfort for GERD sufferers.
32
Alcohol
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Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux. It also irritates the digestive tract and can trigger GERD symptoms, particularly when consumed in large amounts.
33
Mexican food
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Mexican food is frequently made with spicy ingredients, high-fat meats, and acidic tomatoes, all of which can trigger GERD symptoms. The combination of fat, spice, and acidity can irritate the digestive system.
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Carbonated drinks
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Carbonated drinks can cause bloating and pressure in the stomach, which can worsen acid reflux. The carbonation can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow into the esophagus.
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Gyro
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Gyros are often made with fatty cuts of meat, heavy sauces, and spices, which can relax the esophageal sphincter and trigger acid reflux. The combination of high fat and spice can irritate the stomach lining.
36
Curry powder
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Curry powder contains a blend of spices, some of which can irritate the stomach and increase acid production. Spices like turmeric and chili can exacerbate GERD symptoms by triggering reflux.
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Fast food
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Fast food is typically high in fat, salt, and spices, which can trigger acid reflux and irritate the stomach lining. These foods are difficult to digest and may worsen GERD symptoms.
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Chili flakes
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Chili flakes are highly acidic and contain capsaicin, which can irritate the esophagus and trigger acid reflux. They can increase stomach acid production, worsening GERD symptoms.
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Fried food
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Fried foods are high in fat and can slow down digestion, increasing the risk of acid reflux. The high-fat content can irritate the stomach and exacerbate GERD symptoms.