Fact 4: Dietary Triggers
The age-old adage, “You are what you eat”, holds particular significance for GERD sufferers. Diet, with its direct influence on stomach acid production and LES function, plays a pivotal role in managing or exacerbating GERD symptoms.
Citrus fruits, loved for their tang and zest, are often a bane for those with GERD. The high acid content can directly irritate the esophagus. Additionally, these fruits can trigger an overproduction of stomach acid, worsening reflux symptoms.
But fruits aren’t the only culprits. Tomatoes and foods containing them, like pizzas and pasta sauces, can spell trouble. Like citrus fruits, they can lead to increased stomach acid, and their tangy nature can irritate an already inflamed esophagus.
For the caffeine addicts, there’s bad news. Beverages like coffee, certain teas, and even chocolates can lead to LES relaxation, making it easier for the stomach acid to find its way back into the esophagus. Carbonated drinks, with their fizz and pop, can bloat the stomach, pushing acid up. (4)
