GERD Diet
Personalized nutrition support to help patients make smart food choices for controlling GERD.
Call for an appointment: 800.8.COOPER
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD or acid reflux, is a common condition that affects many people. Symptoms like heartburn and acid regurgitation may occur weekly or even more frequently.
What you eat can play a big role in managing GERD. Acidic and high-fat foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (valve) or slow digestion, both of which make reflux more likely. On the other hand, alkaline foods can improve the balance of your diet and ease symptoms. Making smart food choices and maintaining a healthy weight are important first steps in controlling GERD.
What to Eat and What to Avoid
One should avoid foods in the high-acid column and eat the low-acid foods. The list of high-acid foods below are common acid reflux triggers.
Low-Acid Foods | High-Acid Foods | |
Fruits | Apples, avocado, banana, grapes, honeydew, mango, papaya, pear, raisins, watermelon | Citrus fruits - orange, grapefruit, lemon, tomato |
Vegetables | Baked potato, broccoli, carrots, peas, yams, zucchini | Creamed vegetables, fried vegetables, garlic, onion |
Meat | Chicken (skinless), egg whites, fish, ground beef (lean), steak lean - tenderloin, sirloin tip) | Buffalo wings, cheeseburgers, fried meat, ground beef (full fat), sausage (pork), steak (high fat - marbled) |
Dairy | Cheese (feta, goat), cottage cheese (low fat or fat free), cream cheese ( low fat or fat free), milk (<1%), sour cream (low fat or fat free) | Cottage cheese, cream cheese, ice cream, milk (whole), sour cream |
Grains | Bread (multi-grain), plain cereals, oatmeal, graham crackers, pretzels, rice, quinoa | Macaroni and cheese, nuts, pasta with tomato or cream, pizza |
Beans and Nuts | Almonds, brazil nuts, chestnuts, flax seeds, lima beans, pinto beans, white beans, pumpkin seeds, navy beans, sesame seeds, red beans, soybeans, sunflower seeds, tofu | Cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts |
Beverages | Water, apple juice | Beer, citrus juices, coffee, hot chocolate, liquor, soda, tea, wine |
Fats, Oils, and Condiments | Mayonnaise (fat free), salad dressings (low fat or fat free) | Mayonnaise, salad dressing (creamy, full fat, oil and vinegar) |
Desserts | Cookies (fat free), graham crackers, Jello, red licorice, sherbet - non-citrus | Macaroni and cheese, nuts, pasta with tomato or cream, pizza |
Snacks | Baked chips, cookies (fat free), pretzels | Cheese puffs/curls, potato chips, tortilla chips (fried) |
Spices | Basil, cilantro, oregano, rosemary, thyme | Black pepper, cinnamon, curry, hot sauce (cayenne and jalapeno), nutmeg, salsa |
Make an Appointment With an Expert at Cooper
To learn more or to request an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737) or click below to schedule online.