Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is when your lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly, meaning that often times, contents from your stomach can go back up into your esophagus. local family physicians  are a great place to start to get information. 

Common food triggers of GERD include spicy foods, high fat foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, as well as mint flavorings. However, these vary between individuals, and there might be certain foods that I haven’t mentioned that might contribute to your symptoms, where they might not for somebody else’s.

So there are certain foods that are acidic, or somewhat acidic, that may or may not work for you, such as pineapple and tomatoes. It would be a good idea to kind of test out the foods that you think might not work in small quantities, and assess your symptoms.  Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition.

Examples of food that you probably won’t have any problems with if you do suffer from GERD, would include less acidic foods such as fruits and vegetables like zucchini, squash, bell peppers, carrots, to name a few. Fruits that might be on the safe side would be things like papaya, melon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and blueberries. Local Physiotherapist. 

If you think you have GERD, or if you have more questions, you should visit your local registered dietitian for more information.

Presenter: Ms. Ashley Charlebois, Registered Dietitian, Vancouver, BC

Now Health Network Local Practitioners: Registered Dietitian