Is There a Specific Diet for GERD?
Lifestyle and dietary changes are usually the first choice of
treatment for GERD. As part of this treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend a special diet. A
GERD diet is similar to any other heart-healthy diet. It involves the following:
- Understanding foods known to worsen GERD symptoms
- Avoiding food that makes your symptoms worse
- Changing when and how much to eat
- If you are overweight, losing weight.
Healthy Choices for a GERD Diet
As part of a diet for GERD, you should choose a wide variety of low-calorie, nutritious foods in moderate amounts.
This should include lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free milk, as well as fish, lean meat, poultry, or dry beans. Also, choose foods that are low in fat and added sugars.
A healthy diet includes the following:
- Eight to 10 percent of the day's total calories from saturated fat.
- Thirty percent or less of the day's total calories from fat.
- Consuming fewer than 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol a day.
- Limiting sodium intake to 2,400 milligrams a day.
- Choosing sensible food portions.
- Consuming just enough calories to achieve or maintain a healthy weight and reduce your blood cholesterol level. (Ask your doctor or registered dietitian to recommend a reasonable calorie level for you.)
