5 Tips To Prevent Gastric Reflux

Marie-Maxime Bergeron August 5, 2018 Eat Well, GERD, Health

Gastric reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to the intrusion of some of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus and the burning sensation that is felt from the contact of stomach acid with the esophagus.

Certain lifestyle and eating habits can accentuate the problem and increase the intensity of the symptoms. Avoiding certain foods can relieve heartburn. Do not wait to see your doctor if the changes you make to your diet and lifestyle do not improve your symptoms.

Here are some strategies that can help you.

1. Reduce your fat intake

Photo: “Yellow Pastry on White Powder on Brown Wooden Table”, Markus Spiske temporausch.com, ©

High fat meals reduce the tension of the esophageal sphincter. Normally, this sphincter allows food to enter the stomach, and prevents it from coming back out. If the sphincter is loosened, food may move up into the esophagus, causing burns. It is important not to cut all fat from one’s diet, but it is recommended to limit it to a maximum of 45g of fat per day.

Other tips:

• Choose low-fat dairy products.
• Eat lean meats.
• Take care to remove the skin from poultry.
• Focus on low-fat meat alternatives such as legumes and tofu.
• Limit desserts, cookies, pastries and chocolate.

2. Add lean protein to your meals and snacks

Unlike fats, proteins increase sphincter pressure. Increased pressure promotes the closure of the esophageal sphincter. Proteins also promote the secretion of gastrin, a hormone that promotes sphincter tension.

Lean protein sources include: lean meat, poultry and fish, as well as skimmed (or partly skimmed) milk and milk products. Legumes and tofu are good choices as well.

At mealtime, we suggest the proportions of the healthy plate are prioritized.

This means, that one half of the plate is filled with fruits and vegetables, about a quarter with grain products (starchy foods) and the remaining quarter with a lean source of protein.

For snacks, try to include more protein. Here are some possible combinations:

• 1 apple + 45 g cheese (15 to 20% fat)
• 175 ml fat-free Greek yogurt + 125 ml berries

3. Avoid irritants

Photo: pxhere.com, © CC0 1.0

In order to prevent the irritation of the lining of the esophagus, it is advisable to avoid foods that cause epigastric burns such as:

• Tomatoes and juice
• Citrus fruit and juice
• Coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
• Strong spices
• Alcohol
• Soft drinks
• Chocolate
• Pepper mint

Irritating foods may vary from person to person. To help identify them for yourself, just eat a variety of foods and note which ones are causing you symptoms.

When the discomfort is gone, try to reintegrate these foods in small amounts, with a meal, to see if they still cause symptoms.

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Author

Marie-Maxime Bergeron

Changing eating habits gradually and adapting to the needs of my clients is the cornerstone of my approach. Eating well for fun and for health is the goal and everything begins with a return to simplicity in our habits. I am a nutritionist and have offered counselling in nutrition for 10 years.