Article

How to Use Foodguides for People with GERD

Published on Saturday, August 05, 2023
by Elyse Krawtz

Health & Wellness

If you or a loved one has Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), you are in the right place!

Foodguides is a resource to help you understand GERD and GERD symptom management with expert tips, recipes, and research reviews.

GERD is a condition where the stomach contents flow into the esophagus and can cause damage. If you have GERD, you are not alone. GERD affects about 20% of US adults. GERD is different from acid reflux; it is more frequent and can have serious consequences if ignored.

You should talk to your physician if you experience acid reflux more than twice weekly. This is not the time to self-diagnose or DIY treatment: GERD symptoms can overlap with other health conditions, and getting a correct diagnosis is essential. Typical symptoms of GERD can include:

Heartburn
Regurgitation
Swallowing problems
Belching
Epigastric pain

Pro Tip: Bring a journal of your food, symptoms, and lifestyle factors like stress and sleep to your appointment with your provider. Symptom details, timing, and triggers may help determine the course of testing, treatment, and referrals right for you.

Researchers are learning more every year about GERD pathophysiology, management, and comorbidities. Lifestyle and dietary changes can be pivotal in GERD management, but not everyone requires or responds to the same changes. GERD can be influenced by various factors, such as:

Difficulty in the movement and function of the esophagus
Pressure inside the abdominal (belly) area
Changes in the physical structure or shape of body parts
Reduced ability of the esophagus lining to protect itself
Weakened valve at the bottom of the esophagus that would otherwise prevent stomach contents from flowing back up
Temporary relaxation of the valve at the bottom of the esophagus, which can lead to acid reflux

Foodguides will never replace working with your personal healthcare team for a proper diagnosis and advice for your unique case. But Foodguides can help you learn more about GERD with articles covering GERD basics, as well as research and hot topics, such as:

Foodguides contributors also write articles about symptom management approaches. Depending on the cause and co-occurring conditions, GERD management may include lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or habit changes for weight management, nutrition and diet changes, medication, and supplements.

The American College of Gastroenterology’s 2022 Clinical Practice Update suggests avoiding trigger foods for GERD but acknowledges the variability in the research--and that factors such as food and beverage timing and portions can make a difference. So talk to a registered dietitian to help determine whether dietary triggers play a role in your GERD symptoms.

Once you’ve identified dietary triggers, socializing might feel stressful when it comes to food; balancing following the recommendations from your dietitian while enjoying special meals takes practice and planning. But we are here for you! Foodguides has recipes and tips for social events written by chefs and nutrition experts.

The expert contributors on Foodguides have created their own GERD-Friendly Food Guides—lists with direct links to contributors’ favorite products for people with GERD.

Want to learn more about GERD from experts speaking about their expertise? Join us for The Foodguides Podcast or Fireside Chats!

If you find you really enjoy articles by a specific contributor, check out the contributors' page, where you can look up all the articles written by your favorites and learn more about the experts.

Don’t see an article on a question you have about GERD or GI nutrition? We want to hear from you! Let us know what topics you want our experts to write about, so we can support your journey toward better digestive health by leaving us a comment @foodguideshelp on Instagram, X, or Facebook.

_{Antunes, C., Aleem, A., Curtis S.A. (2022) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. In: StatPearls.}
_{Katz, P. O., Dunbar, K. B., Schnoll-Sussman, F. H., Greer, K. B., Yadlapati, R., & Spechler, S. J. (2022). ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. The American journal of gastroenterology, 117(1), 27–56.}