Which dietary changes are recommended for someone with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

The recommended dietary changes for someone with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) focus on reducing the frequency and severity of reflux episodes. Avoiding spicy foods and caffeine is essential because these items can irritate the esophagus and increase stomach acid production, exacerbating symptoms. Eating smaller meals is also significant, as larger meals can create increased pressure in the stomach, leading to reflux.

Smaller, more frequent meals help keep the stomach from becoming overly full and reduce the likelihood of acid backing up into the esophagus. This dietary approach aligns well with managing GERD symptoms and promoting overall digestive health.

Other options, such as consuming larger, heavier meals or increasing intake of carbonated drinks, can worsen GERD symptoms by increasing gastric pressure and bloating. Additionally, while dairy products can be soothing for some individuals, they can also be problematic for others, as high-fat dairy might exacerbate reflux symptoms. Therefore, focusing on smaller meals and avoiding irritants is the most effective strategy in dietary management for GERD.