GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common condition that causes acid reflux. The food items you eat influence the amount of acid produced by your stomach. When the acid flows back from your stomach to your esophagus, it can cause troubling symptoms such as heartburn. By knowing what foods to eat and avoid in GERD, as well as talking to your doctor about potential treatments to reduce symptoms, you will be able to overcome the problem of acid reflux. Read this article to know more about what to do.

Foods to eat 

1. Vegetables
They are low in sugar and fat, which help in reducing the production of stomach acid. Consider adding green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, and cucumbers to your diet.

2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great breakfast option because it is an excellent source of fiber. A fiber-rich diet can help lower the production of acid, thereby reducing the risk of acid reflux. You can also consume whole-grain bread and rice to increase your fiber intake.

3. Ginger
Its anti-inflammatory properties work as a natural treatment for heartburn. Just add sliced ginger root or grated ginger to your green tea or smoothies to relieve the heartburn. You can also add it to your food or have a small piece of raw ginger with honey.

4. Healthy fats
Healthy fats can be obtained from walnuts, flaxseeds, avocados, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. You can reduce the intake of saturated fats by replacing them with these healthier options.

5. Non-acidic fruits
Fruits like bananas, melons, apples, and pears are non-acidic. Therefore, they are less likely to cause symptoms of acid reflux.

Foods to avoid

1. Milk
According to a study, people often experience bloating and discomfort after they consume dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Therefore, you must consider eliminating dairy from your meals for a couple of days to see how your body responds to it. If you notice a difference in your symptoms, then remove milk and milk-related products from your diet completely.

2. Cholesterol-rich foods
In the list of foods to eat and avoid for GERD, cholesterol-rich foods are definitely in the latter category. People who consume more saturated fats in their meals often struggle with symptoms of GERD. These items are high in calories, and are unhealthy for your body. Avoid consuming processed foods such as chips, crackers, sauces, etc.

3. Coffee and tea
The acidic nature of tea and coffee can cause your stomach to produce more acid, thereby aggravating symptoms of GERD.

4. Chocolate
Chocolate not only causes stomach acidity but also tends to aggravate the acid reflux symptoms. This is the reason you must consider avoiding chocolate when you have GERD. You may, however, have a small piece of dark chocolate occasionally in case the condition is minor.

5. Carbonated drinks
Soft drinks are acidic, which, in turn, increases the volume of acid in your stomach. Moreover, since they are loaded with added sugars and have no nutritional value, it is advisable to avoid carbonated drinks for your overall well being.

Acid reflux, if left untreated, can cause serious health complications. Discuss these foods to eat and avoid for GERD   with your nutritionist to make an   informed decision about your diet plan. Also, talk to your doctor about IBD medications such as Stelara, Entyvio, Otezla, Kesimpta, and Linzess.