When your stomach is growling so loudly that the person across the room can hear it, it’s tempting to grab a handful of chips or a cookie (or three) - especially since working from home has given most of us quick access to a pantry full of comfort foods! But if you have GERD, mindless snacking can have painful consequences.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when the stomach acids in your stomach leak back into the esophagus. It’s often called acid-reflux, although GERD is more severe or consistent than occasional acid reflux. Typically, if reflux happens multiple times a week or is severe at least once per week, you may be experiencing GERD.
While a few lifestyle changes can help keep symptoms manageable, deciding on what types of foods to eat can be tricky. Eating large meals, eating fatty foods, or drinking certain drinks like alcohol or coffee can all trigger reflux.
However, being prepared for when the hunger pangs hit by adding these reflux-busting snacks to your grocery list can help you guard against reflux and help free you to enjoy your meals a little more:
- Non-citrus fruits
- Crackers with any type of nut butter
- Raw vegetables with dip or hummus
- Baked chips
- Edamame
- Pretzels
- Nuts
- Half an avocado and some corn chips
- Baked chicken strips (or any small quantity of lean meat, besides red meat)
- Oatmeal or high-fiber cereal
- A baked potato, sweet potato, or yam
- Any type of grain
- Rice cakes
- Granola bars
- Salad
- Half a bagel
- Lowfat dairy, such as low-fat cottage cheese with vegetables or crackers or fruit
- A hard-boiled egg
- A veggie or fruit (non-citrus) smoothie
Moderation is key
Even when you choose healthy snacks, too much of a good thing is, well, not good at all – especially when you have GERD. Limit your nibbles to small serving sizes, which will keep both your hunger and reflux under control. Experts recommend that you eat three small meals and two snacks daily.
When to see a doctor
If your signs and symptoms get worse, if you’re struggling with nausea or difficulty swallowing, or if you otherwise suspect that you may have GERD, meeting with a Board-certified gastroenterologist at GI Associates can help you manage GERD symptoms and create a diet plan that works best for you.
For more information, call (877) 442-7762 or fill out our online form today.