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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 GERD 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.
 
Other foods that can make your symptoms worse include:
 
  • 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 suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD