Avoiding Nutritional Deficiencies with GERD
Posted: Mar 21 in Diet & Reflux by Staff
If you suffer from the persistent heartburn and acid reflux of GERD in Albany or Macon, you’ve probably already learned that many foods are best avoided. Tomatoes, oranges, fatty proteins and dairy products—some or all of these things may trigger your own acid reflux symptoms. Unfortunately, foods like these contain valuable nutrients, and banishing them from your diet can leave you lacking in things your body sorely needs.
Still, every nutrient can come from multiple sources. If you’re eliminating triggers like these from your diet, it may be best to start substituting other foods that give you the nutrition you need without sparking the symptoms of GERD.
To keep your GERD diet healthy, find reflux-free varieties of:
Fruit
Tomatoes and citrus fruits of all kinds can cause acid reflux, but they’re also great sources of nutrients like vitamin C, which is important for healing and your immune system. You can help yourself make up for their absence by eating a variety of other fruits that are safe for GERD, including:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Pears
- Peaches
- Berries
You may still want to consider taking a vitamin C supplement or multivitamin that contains this important nutrient. Ask your GERD specialist before trying any new dietary supplements, as size, shape and texture of vitamins can sometimes spark acid reflux.
Protein
Though high-fat meats will be off the table if you suffer from GERD, these also add a great deal of protein to your diet, which is one of the most essential nutrients. In addition to providing structure for cells and protecting the body from disease, protein can strengthen the muscles of the esophagus to aid in acid reflux prevention. You’ll need to stick with foods that provide high levels of protein without overloading your stomach with fat, including:
- Skinless chicken or turkey
- Grilled or baked fish
- Low or non-fat dairy products
Protein supplements are available in many forms, from shakes to bars and pills. Be sure to discuss any protein supplements with your GERD specialist before taking them and double check that yours does not contain any acid reflux triggers like chocolate.
Life with GERD in Albany or Macon can change your relationship with food, but you don’t have to let it throw your nutritional balance out of whack. If you need more help maintaining a nutritious diet with GERD, talk to Dr. Bagnato, and remember that reflux surgery can help you put an end to symptoms and avoid these dietary dilemmas.