The diet for gastroesophageal reflux should be balanced and varied, it is important to include fruits, vegetables and white meats, in addition to recommending avoiding foods that are difficult to digest or that cause irritation in the stomach, such as fried foods and pepper, for example..
Reflux happens when acid from the stomach rises into the esophagus, especially after meals, causing symptoms such as burning, pain when swallowing and regurgitation. The treatment of gastroesophageal reflux consists mainly of making some changes in eating habits, however, in some cases the doctor may recommend the use of some drugs if necessary. Understand how reflux treatment is done.
Foods to Avoid
The foods that are consumed directly influence the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach, so eliminating foods that increase the acid concentration helps to improve symptoms in some people.
It is important to mention that the foods that worsen reflux symptoms can vary from person to person, it is important to identify what these foods are and, thus, avoid their consumption. Foods that can worsen gastroesophageal reflux symptoms are:
- Fats and foods that contain them, since digestion is done much slower and the food stays in the stomach longer, slowing gastric emptying and increasing acid production and the likelihood of reflux symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the consumption of red meats, sausages, bologna, french fries, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, croissants, cookies, cakes, pizza, industrial sauces, yellow cheeses, butter, margarine, lard, bacon and yogurt integral; Caffeine, as it is a stimulating compound, can irritate the stomach lining and promote reflux. That is why it is advisable to avoid foods that contain caffeine such as coffee, black tea, green tea, mate tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolate; Alcoholic beverages, mainly fermented ones like beers and wines, as they irritate the stomach and increase acid production; Carbonated drinks, such as sodas and sparkling water, as they increase the pressure inside the stomach; Mint and mint flavored foods, as they can irritate the gastric mucosa; Peppers, hot sauces and spices, as they are also irritating to the stomach lining and favor increased acidity, resulting in reflux symptoms.
In addition, in some people, especially those who also have esophagitis, citrus foods such as orange, pineapple, lemon and tomato can cause pain and malaise, and it is important to avoid these foods in these cases.
Some people may also feel bad about eating foods that contain onion and garlic or when eating high-fat fruits like avocado and coconut, it is important to keep an eye on their tolerance.
Allowed foods
The foods that should be included in the diet are fruits and vegetables, and it is also advisable to give preference to the consumption of low-fat meats, such as skinless chicken and turkey, as well as fish and egg whites. Dairy products and their derivatives must be skimmed, with white cheeses such as ricotta and cottage cheese being recommended. It is also possible to consume bread, rice, bananas, pasta, potatoes and beans without any contraindication.
The good fats derived from olive oil and seeds can be eaten in small portions. In addition, it is possible to include ginger in the preparation of meals or in the form of tea, as it has anti-inflammatory properties, improving symptoms related to gastric emptying.
It is also recommended to drink chamomile tea, as it improves the symptoms of poor digestion and has a calming and relaxing effect on the stomach, relieving acidity and reflux.
Reflux diet menu
The following table shows an example of a 3-day reflux diet menu.
| Meal | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Breakfast | 1 glass of skim milk + 2 slices of bread with ricotta cheese + 1 pear | 1 low-fat yogurt with 2 tablespoons of oats and 1/2 banana cut into slices | 1 cup of chamomile tea + scrambled egg whites + 3 toasts + 1 slice of papaya |
| Morning snack | 1 cup of gelatin | 4 maria biscuits | 3 cream cracker crackers with ricotta cheese |
| Lunch dinner | 1 piece of fish with 2 medium potatoes accompanied by steamed vegetables seasoned with 1 teaspoon of olive oil + 1 cup of diced watermelon | 1 medical chicken breast with 1/2 cup of rice + 1/2 cup of beans accompanied by salads with 1 teaspoon of olive oil + 1 apple | Quinoa with vegetables (carrots, peppers and broccoli) with 90 grams of chicken breast cut into cubes + 1 peach |
| Afternoon snack | 1 apple in the oven with cinnamon | Sugar-free ginger tea + 3 whole toast with ricotta cheese | 1 low-fat yogurt with 1 teaspoon of chia seeds and oatmeal |
The amounts included in the menu can vary according to age, gender, physical activity and whether or not the person has any other disease, so it is recommended to go to the nutritionist so that the diet plan is adequate to individual needs.
When diet and drug treatment fail to alleviate reflux symptoms, the doctor may recommend surgery to strengthen the pyloric sphincter and prevent gastric juices from returning to the esophagus. Understand how reflux surgery is done.
Other precautions that must be followed
In addition to food, it is important to maintain a series of precautions to prevent reflux, such as:
- Eat small portions several times a day, every 2 or 3 hours; Avoid drinking fluids during meals; Avoid eating 3 to 4 hours before bedtime; Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables; Avoid lying down or exercising right after meals; Chew your food well and eat slowly and in a quiet place; In case of excess weight, a balanced and low-calorie diet that favors weight loss should be carried out, it is important to go to the nutritionist to establish an adequate nutritional plan. with the person's needs; sleeping at a 45-degree angle, placing a pillow or raising the head of the bed, thereby reducing night reflux; favoring reflux.
In addition, it is also important to quit smoking and reduce stress, as both are factors that increase the risk of reflux. Here are some tips for treating reflux naturally:
