Can I Eat Fruits with Gastroesophageal Reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. It occurs when the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. GERD can be triggered by various factors, such as obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia, and certain medications. However, one of the most important factors is diet. Certain foods and drinks can worsen GERD symptoms by increasing the production of stomach acid, relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), or irritating the esophageal lining. In this article, we will focus on how fruits affect GERD and which ones you should eat or avoid if you have this condition.

You will learn about:

  • Study
  • What fruits should be avoided with gastroesophageal reflux?
  • Two fruits that are beneficial for the stomach when eaten in moderation
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What are some other foods to avoid with GERD?
  • Reference

Table of Contents

Study

A study conducted in 2017 on Iranian adults indicated that the risk of gastroesophageal reflux is more likely to decrease with higher intake of vegetables and fruits. This finding suggests that a plant-based diet may have a protective effect against the development of GERD, a chronic condition that affects about 20% of the adult population in the United States. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus, fails to close properly and allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.

What fruits should be avoided with gastroesophageal reflux?

During an acute episode of gastroesophageal reflux, it is advisable to avoid fruits with high acidity, such as citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits), passion fruit, cranberries, strawberries, and fruits containing digestive enzymes like pineapple and kiwi. These fruits may irritate the inflamed esophageal lining and worsen the symptoms of GERD. Moreover, some of these fruits are also high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), which are poorly absorbed carbohydrates that can cause gas, bloating, and abdominal pain in some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common comorbidity of GERD. Therefore, limiting the intake of these fruits may help reduce the discomfort associated with both conditions.

Two fruits that are beneficial for the stomach when eaten in moderation

After the acute symptoms have subsided and the stomach is less painful, passion fruit and kiwi can be gradually reintroduced because they are recommended for the “maintenance period.” Passion fruit is known to prevent and treat gastric ulcers, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also contains pectin, a soluble fiber that can help regulate bowel movements and lower cholesterol levels. Research suggests that kiwi can be included in a “low FODMAP” diet, which is less likely to cause bloating. In an experiment, individuals with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome who consumed two kiwis daily for four weeks experienced improved and enhanced intestinal function. It’s important to note that this recommendation assumes the absence of an acute episode of gastroesophageal reflux. Otherwise, these fruits should be avoided until the symptoms subside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some other foods to avoid with GERD?

Some other foods that may trigger or worsen GERD symptoms include:

Food Category Examples
Fatty or fried foods Butter, cheese, cream, bacon, sausage, burgers, fries, etc.
Spicy foods Chili, curry, pepper, garlic, onion, salsa, etc.
Caffeinated or carbonated beverages Coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, etc.
Alcoholic beverages Beer, wine, liquor, etc.
Chocolate Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, cocoa, etc.
Mint Peppermint, spearmint, mint tea, mint candy, etc.
Tomato-based products Tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato juice, etc.

These foods may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increase stomach acid production, or irritate the esophageal mucosa, leading to increased reflux and discomfort. However, not everyone with GERD reacts to the same foods, so it is advisable to keep a food diary and identify one’s own triggers and avoid them accordingly.

Reference

  • Association between dietary patterns and gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a cross-sectional study from Iran
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Foods to Avoid with Acid Reflux/GERD
  • The low FODMAP diet: fundamental therapy in the management of irritable bowel syndrome
  • Passion fruit peel extract attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
  • Pectin and its role in cholesterol homeostasis
  • Kiwi fruit in the diet of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: a randomized controlled trial
  • Kiwi fruit in the diet of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: a randomized controlled trial
  • GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux (Heartburn)

You may be interested in these articles:

4 Bad Eating Habits that Torture Your Stomach

4 Types of Foods That Act as Sleep Thieves

4 Kinds of Midnight Snacking Without Disturbing Sleep

6 Health Risks Of Sugary Drinks

The 10 Major Functions of Multivitamins

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