Nutrition Intervention in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (gerd)

GERD is a condition in which the stomach content goes back up to the esophagus and it occurs when the lower esophageal sphincters (LES) get weak due to multiple reasons, most commonly, hiatal hernia. It causes heartburn and acid indigestion and often occurs in pregnant women or in people taking certain medications. As for the treatment of GERD, lifestyle and dietary changes are strongly recommended, the main aim being the decrease in the amount of reflux, or reducing the damage of the esophagus caused by the refluxed material. Included, is to avoid food that can weaken the LES (such as chocolate, peppermint, coffee, fatty foods, and alcohol) and replacing them with foods that falls in the following criteria:

• Milk: Skim milk, soy milk, powdered milk, low fat ice cream, buttermilk, yogurt, sherbet

• Meat/Protein: Nuts, dried beans, peas, lean tender well cooked: poultry, meat, fish eggs or soy prepared without fat

• Grains: Whole grains half the serving; prepare without added fat

• Vegetables/Fruits: Variety of fruit and vegetables (prepared without fat); avoid fruits or vegetables that causes symptoms (this vary from one individual to another)

• Fat: