Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when the stomach contents leak back up to the throat.
Healthy
GERD
What are some possible causes?
- Weakness of the sphincter
- Certain foods
- Eating habits
- Hiatal hernia
- Medication
What are some symptoms?
- Acid regurgitation
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain in chest
- Sore throat
- Coughing
What to do?
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Wear loose fitting clothes
- Wait 3 hours before laying down
- Regular physical activity
- Eat in a calm environment
- Avoid chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, caffeinated beverages, and fatty foods
- Consult a doctor or dietitian before making big changes
- Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults. Accessed January 20, 2021.
- GERD (Chronic Acid Reflux): Symptoms, Treatment, & Causes. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-gerd-or-acid-reflux-or-heartburn-overview. Accessed January 18, 2021.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Care Manual. http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed December 12, 2020.