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GERD Foods to Avoid
If you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder), you may be put on a special diet. Some specific foods to avoid include:
- Chocolate
- Peppermint
- Fried and fatty foods
- Tomato products
- Foods and drinks that contain caffeine
- Alcoholic beverages.
Coffee and alcohol actually stimulate your stomach to make more acid than usual. Alcohol, chocolate, and fatty foods are believed to cause the lower esophageal sphincter to weaken. Together, too much stomach acid and a weak lower esophageal sphincter can increase the symptoms of GERD.
You may also want to avoid the following foods if you have been diagnosed with GERD:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Mustard
- Certain spices
- Vinegar
- Carbonated beverages, such as soda
- Citrus fruits and juices.
(Click GERD Diet for more information on the foods you should and shouldn't eat if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD