Patients with gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis (GERD) should choose low-fat, low-acid, and easily digestible foods, such as oatmeal, bananas, and cooked vegetables, while avoiding high-fat, spicy, and acidic foods. The key to treating GERD lies in adjusting dietary habits and lifestyle to reduce the irritation of the esophagus caused by stomach acid reflux. Through a reasonable diet and appropriate lifestyle adjustments, symptoms can be effectively relieved and esophageal healing can be promoted.
1. Low-fat foods help reduce stomach acid secretion and prevent increased pressure in the stomach. It is recommended to choose lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy products, and avoid high-fat foods such as fried foods, fatty meats, and cream. A low-fat diet can reduce stomach acid secretion and lower stomach pressure, thereby reducing the occurrence of reflux.
2. Low-acid foods can reduce irritation to the esophagus. It is recommended to eat low-acid fruits such as bananas, apples, and pears, and avoid high-acid foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar. Low-acid foods are less irritating to the esophagus and help reduce the burning sensation and pain caused by reflux.
3. Easily digestible foods can reduce the burden on the stomach and decrease the risk of reflux. Foods such as oats, brown rice, cooked vegetables, and tofu are easy to digest and suitable for patients with gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis. Easily digestible foods can reduce the burden on the stomach, lower the pressure inside the stomach, and thus reduce the occurrence of reflux.
4. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, black pepper, coffee, and alcohol. These foods stimulate gastric acid secretion, increasing the risk of reflux. Avoiding spicy and irritating foods can reduce gastric acid secretion, decreasing the frequency and severity of reflux.
5. Eating small, frequent meals helps reduce stomach pressure and avoids overeating at once. It is recommended to eat 5-6 small meals a day, avoiding binge eating. This habit can reduce stomach pressure and decrease the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
6. Avoid lying down immediately after meals; remain upright for at least 2 hours. Lying down immediately after eating increases the risk of acid reflux. It is recommended to take a walk or remain upright after meals. Maintaining an upright posture can reduce the risk of acid reflux and help relieve symptoms.
7. Increasing dietary fiber intake helps promote digestion and reduce gastric acid secretion. Whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, which are rich in dietary fiber, are suitable for patients with gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis. Increasing dietary fiber intake can promote digestion and reduce gastric acid secretion, thereby reducing the occurrence of reflux.
By adjusting their diet and lifestyle, patients with gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis (GERD) can effectively relieve symptoms and promote esophageal healing. Reasonable dietary choices and lifestyle adjustments are key to treating GERD. Patients should adhere to a low-fat, low-acid, and easily digestible diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, eat small, frequent meals, maintain an upright posture, and increase dietary fiber intake to reduce the irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid reflux and promote esophageal healing.