Nutrition is important in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The therapeutic approach to most GERD problems involves a combination of medication and nutritional therapy. Frequent feedings are important in the case of chronic gastric problems like acidity and GERD. Patients feel more comfortable with fewer spices and bland foods. It is best to avoid specific food or food habits that trigger acidity.
| AVOID | ALLOWED TO TAKE |
| FRUITS | FRUITS |
| Coconut, All Citrus Fruits such as Orange, Lemon, Grapes, Cranberry, Sweet Lime, Pineapple, Kiwi | Watermelon, Banana, Muskmelon, Papaya, Pears, Apple, Guava, Pomegranate, Amla |
| VEGETABLES | VEGETABLES |
| Canned & Frozen Vegetables, Raw Vegetables, Garlic, Onion, Capsicum, Taro Root, Potatoes, Tomato, Ladyfinger | Asparagus, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Pumpkin, Cabbage, Broccoli, Carrots, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Round Gourd, Ash Gourd, Mushroom, Soya, Sponge Gourd, Fenugreek Leaves |
| PULSES | PULSES |
| All Other Heavy Lentils like Black Grams, Chickpeas, Kidney Beans, Black Lentils, Pinto Beans, Garbanzo Beans | All Split Pulses like Yellow Moong, Green Lentils, Pink Lentils, Pigeon Peas, Yellow Lentils |
| DRY FRUITS & SEEDS | DRY FRUITS & SEEDS |
| Peanuts, Pistachio, Cashew | Almonds, Walnuts, Raisins, Figs – All Soaked in Water OvernightBrazil Nuts, Flax Seeds, Sunflower Seeds |
| CEREALS | CEREALS |
| Refined Whole Grains, White Refined Flour and its Products, | Whole Wheat, Oatmeal, Porridge, Whole Grains, Brown Rice, Kodo Millets, Pearl Millets, Finger Millets, Foxtail Millets |
| OILS | OILS |
| Unsaturated Fats, Refined Oil, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil | Cow’s Ghee, Canola Oil, Olive Oil |
| SPICES | SPICES |
| Excess Salt, Green & Red Chili, Cloves, Black Pepper, CinnamonNote: Nearly all the Spices are to be Limited. Only Plain and Simple Food is to be Preferred | Cumin, Coriander, Fennel, Mint, Fenugreek, Carom, Turmeric, Dried Fenugreek Leaves |
| MILK & MILK PRODUCTS | MILK & MILK PRODUCTS |
| All Milk and Milk Products to be Avoided | Nil |
| NON-VEG / FLESH FOODS | NON-VEG / FLESH FOODS |
| Avoid All Non-Vegetarian Food | Nil |
| OTHERS | OTHERS |
| Packaged, Canned, Processed, Fried, Spicy, Junk and Bakery Products, Refined Sugar, Cream-based Liquors, Alcohol, Soft drinks, Squashes, Jams, Sauces, Pickles, Coffee, Tea, Chocolates | Homemade Food Only, Coconut Water, Arjun Tea, Aloe Vera Juice, Bitter Gourd Juice, Pumpkin Juice, Fresh Homemade Green Tea without Lemon, Broken Wheat Porridge / Veg Semolina / Veg Vermicelli / Veg Poha (Rice flakes) / Veg Idli / Gram Flour Pancake (gram flour) / Missi Roti |
NOTE: Alterations in the diet is very important as diet plays a 70% role in managing any condition and the rest 30% is done by medication. Moreover, performing some changes in your lifestyle is equally of great help as it also helps in tridosha pacification).
IMPORTANT TIPS / RECOMMENDATIONS
- Herbal Teas
- Boil ½ tsp each of fennel, coriander, cumin in 3 cups of water till it’s reduced to 1 cup, strain and drink.
- Take Amla powder- 1 tsp. daily after meals.
- Take 1/2 tsp. (Amla Powder (Indian gooseberry) + Fennel + Licorice Powder Mixed together) daily after meals.
- Skipping Meals should be Avoided, especially Breakfast.
- Increase Consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Must Drink 8- 10 glasses of water daily.
- Walking for at least 30-45 min is recommended.
- Whole fruit should be preferred to fruit juices.
- Food items not mentioned in this diet chart can be consumed in moderation.
- In General, all kinds of artificial, packed, industrial, and processed food items should be avoided.
- Behavior plays an important role in preventing diseases, so keep yourself away from negative thoughts, anger, greed, and Ego.
- Avoid Suppression of Natural Urges such as Urination, Defecation, Sleep, Hunger, Sneezing, etc.
- Avoid eating too late at night.
- Do not sleep immediately after meals.
- Do not sleep for long hours, avoid anger, stress, long travelling, smoking as well as drinking.