Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a problem that affects millions of Americans. Sometimes
it can be acute, occurring after having certain foods or beverages or from overeating. Other times it can be chronic, disrupting life, causing pain and seemingly impervious to any sort of treatment. Even chronic acid reflux can be treated, however, simply by changing the foods you eat. Here are some of the best Gerd diets.
Ginger
Raw ginger root, available in any produce section, is the best thing for acid reflux. Most people with acid reflux are told to avoid spicy things at all costs, but this is bad advice. Ginger has been widely used as a digestive aid in many parts of the world for thousands of years. Ginger makes a wonderful and easy soup that will send your reflux packing.
1 small onion, chopped
1 tbsp. raw ginger root, grated or minced
½ medium carrot, finely shredded
3 cloves of garlic, sliced, minced or chopped
4 cups soup stock
3 heads of bok choy or napa cabbage
Cilantro to taste
Add the densest ingredients first, and then the thinner ones. Simmer on low with the lid on for about half an hour.
Cayenne Pepper
Red pepper is another common spice that people avoid when they shouldn’t. Like ginger, it is also used in many cultures to stimulate digestion and ease heartburn. Cayenne pepper works best in conjunction with other digestive stimulating spices, like cinnamon and turmeric. Cooking your meals with these spices will make them easier to digest, and make it less likely that you have an acid reflux episode. When acid reflux begins to rear its ugly head, give this digestive tonic tea a try.
½ tsp cayenne powder
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cinnamon
Place the spices in a cup. Heat a 8 ounces of water to near boiling, and pour it over the spices. Drink and enjoy.
Foods to Supplement diet
- Papaya and Pinneaple
- Fish Oil
Using over long periods of time has shown to decrease the effects of acid reflux in some people. There are a variety of other health benefits from supplementing with fish oil as well.
- Kombucha
What Not to Eat
Many of the things that cause acid reflux comprise many peoples’ favorite foods. Sugars, starches and white flours are surprisingly hard on the digestive system, and are some of the biggest contributing factors of acid reflux. Processed foods and refined carbohydrates in general should be avoided.
Peppers and onions, long villainized by reflux sufferers, will not cause any problem if they are thoroughly cooked. Always cook them for an extra long time, until they are not crispy at all. Long, slow and moist cooking is ideal, whereas quick cooking like sauteeing leaves them undercooked.
It is also advisable to limit or eliminate your consumption of cold beverages, which tense up the stomach, slow digestion and make fats extremely difficult to process, leading to acid reflux. Wait at least a half hour or longer between beverages and meals.
When battling GERD and diet, it may be generally advisable to disregard much of the mainstream information you’ve learned, which is based more in assumptions than science and evidence. By embracing a few simple measures, your life can be free of heartburn.
Here’s a quick list of diet items that should be avoided if you suffer from acid Reflux
- Citrus
- Alcohol
- Anything spicy
- Carbonated Beverages
- Chocolate
- Mints
- Coffee
- Dairy*
- High fat meats
- Greasy food
