What Foods Make GERD Worse?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a condition that causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. This causes burning irritation that is commonly described as heartburn or acid indigestion.

Almost everyone experiences heartburn or acid reflux from time to time. When the condition becomes chronic, it is often described as GERD.

Key Takeaways: Triggers For GERD Symptoms

• High-fat, fried, spicy, and acidic foods (like citrus and tomato-based products) are major triggers for GERD symptoms. Other triggers include chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onions, alcohol, and caffeine.
• To reduce GERD symptoms, focus on an "acid reflux diet" featuring lean meats, high-fiber foods (like oatmeal), green vegetables, and alkaline foods like melons and bananas.
• Lifestyle habits matter. Beyond what you eat, how you eat is important. Consuming smaller meals and avoiding lying down for at least two to three hours after eating can significantly reduce reflux symptoms.
• Track your GERD triggers. Because everyone reacts differently, keeping a food journal for two weeks can help identify specific personal triggers and patterns.

What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux?

People with acid reflux or GERD frequently experience heartburn – a burning sensation in the chest – particularly after eating or at night. Acid reflux symptoms can also include difficulty swallowing or a chronic cough.

What Foods Trigger GERD?

GERD is a condition that is heavily linked to diet. Certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen symptoms of acid reflux.

Acid reflux-triggering foods to avoid:

• Fatty or fried foods
• Spicy or minty foods
• Foods with a tomato base, such as pizza, chili, pasta sauce or salsa
• Citrus fruits
• Onions
• Garlic
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Carbonated and caffeinated beverages

Can Foods Help Reduce Acid Reflux?

Certain foods can trigger or worsen acid reflux, but others can improve GERD symptoms by reducing acid backup into the esophagus. People with GERD should adopt an “acid reflux diet” that is rich in:

• Lean meats and seafood
• Root vegetables, like carrots and beets
• Green vegetables, including broccoli, cucumbers or green beans
• High-fiber foods, such as oatmeal and brown rice
• Alkaline foods – which have a higher pH and are the opposite of acidic foods – including melons, cauliflower and bananas

Tracking GERD Triggers

If you are experiencing frequent acid reflux or heartburn, consider creating a food journal where you track what you’re eating for two weeks. Note the days when you have acid reflux to better understand which foods may trigger your specific symptoms.

Can Changing My Diet Reduce GERD Symptoms?

Cutting back on foods that are known triggers for GERD – including coffee, fatty-rich meals, chocolate, red sauces, alcohol and carbonated beverages – can help reduce acid reflux pain.

Additionally, eating smaller meal portions throughout the day and avoiding laying down for at least two to three hours after a meal can also help reduce GERD symptoms.

GERD Risk Factors

In addition to diet, smoking or being overweight are common acid reflux causes. Additionally, some women experience heightened acid reflux symptoms during pregnancy.

Acid Reflux Treatments

If your acid reflux or heartburn symptoms are relatively mild or infrequent, you may be able to treat them at home using over-the-counter antacid medications like TUMS, Rolaids, Prilosec, Nexium or Pepto Bismol.

However, if these home remedies for heartburn do not provide adequate relief or if you have frequent GERD symptoms, talk with your care provider. They can discuss a range of prescription GERD treatment options that can help get your symptoms under control.

If you’re dealing with frequent heartburn or indigestion, ask your doctor if you might have GERD, a common gastrointestinal condition that can be successfully treated through a combination of diet modifications and medication.