The purpose of dietary treatment of GERD and principles of treatment

  In recent years, the number of patients seeking treatment for reflux esophagitis has been increasing year by year, seriously affecting their daily work and quality of life. The symptoms of heartburn and reflux are recurrent and can be quickly relieved by medication, but are prone to recurrence and are not a long-term solution. In China, there is an ancient saying that “food is the sky”, and we are destined to live with food all our lives, so paying attention to diet can treat and prevent the disease.  Reflux esophagitis diet treatment is very important, generally should avoid irritating food, eat less and more meals, light diet, should not eat too much, especially dinner, before bedtime should be fasted. Also try to reduce the intake of foods with high fat content, and need to avoid smoking, alcohol and coffee. Do not lie flat immediately after a meal, and the head of the bed should be elevated during sleep to reduce the chance of acid reflux.  The key to dietary treatment of reflux esophagitis is a low-fat diet. Because fat can stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin causing lower esophageal sphincter tone, resulting in gastroesophageal reflux, while reversing the pressure difference between the stomach and duodenum, resulting in the reflux of duodenal contents into the stomach, due to excessive fat can delay the emptying of the stomach, increasing epigastric discomfort and making the stomach swell. Food protein can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid and gastrin, and gastrin can increase the tension of the lower esophageal sphincter and inhibit gastroesophageal reflux, so protein can be increased in the diet (such as lean meat, milk, soy products, egg whites, etc.).  Obesity can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which is conducive to food reflux and aggravate the disease and symptoms. If the diet pays attention to controlling the intake of fats and oils and maintaining normal weight, there is a certain basis for the diet should pay attention to the reasonable use of fats and oils and the maintenance of ideal weight. The diet should include more easily digestible, fine and soft foods, less stimulating foods, and less or no food that can cause lower esophageal sphincter tension, such as strong tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, tomato juice and other acidic beverages and stimulating spices, such as curry, pepper, mint, chili, etc. Tobacco and alcohol can cause a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, especially strong alcohol can cause a decrease in the frequency of the peristaltic contraction wave of the esophagus. The decrease in the ability of the esophagus to remove acid plays a negative role in the treatment of esophagitis. Do not overeat at dinner, plus do not add meals before bedtime to prevent aggravation of symptoms.