Dietary guidance for patients with GERD

  Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the reflux of gastroduodenal contents into the esophagus causing symptoms such as heartburn, reflux, retrosternal pain and foreign body sensation in the pharynx, which can cause reflux esophagitis, as well as damage to tissues adjacent to the esophagus such as the pharynx and airway. The main mechanism of the disease is the result of the weakened anti-reflux defense mechanism and the attack of reflux on the esophageal mucosa. In addition to acid-suppressing, anti-acid, and gastric motivation drugs, lifestyle and dietary changes are also very important in the treatment.  So, for the prevention and treatment of GERD, what should we pay attention to in terms of diet?  1, food choice GERD patients should be high protein, high fiber, low fat, easy to digest food. Food protein can stimulate the secretion of gastrin, gastrin can make the lower esophageal sphincter muscle tension increase, inhibit gastroesophageal reflux, so in the diet can be appropriate to increase the protein content, such as lean meat, milk, soy products, fish, shrimp, etc.. The diet should include more protein, such as lean meat, milk, soy products, fish and shrimp, etc. The diet should also include fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure the intake of vitamins and fiber, and more easily digestible and soft foods for the treatment and prevention of GERD.  High-fat food can stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, which can cause the lower esophageal sphincter pressure to decrease, and eating too much fat can also slow down gastric emptying, prompting the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux; coffee, strong tea, cola, citrus drinks, acidic beverages, etc. can stimulate gastric acid secretion, which can also cause the lower esophageal sphincter pressure to decrease, increasing the chance of gastroesophageal reflux. The main component of alcohol is ethanol, which not only stimulates gastric acid secretion, but also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and decreases muscle tone, especially strong alcohol can make the peristaltic frequency of the esophagus decrease, aggravating the symptoms of GERD. Therefore, reducing the fat intake at each meal, avoiding chocolate, too acidic, too sweet food, eating less cold, hard, spicy and stimulating food, and abstaining from alcohol can help in the prevention and treatment of GERD.  2, the formation of good dietary habits GERD patients should pay attention to regular diet, eat three meals on time, because after eating easy to cause reflux, so immediately after eating should not lie down to rest and vigorous interaction.  Should not eat before bedtime, nowadays people more dinner sumptuous, and stomach emptying time is about 3-4 hours, so dinner time should be selected before 3 hours before bedtime, if the dinner time is too late, sleep when the stomach contents can not yet be completely emptied, once lying down, the food retained in the stomach is easy to reflux into the esophagus, thus aggravating GERD.  Meal process should avoid overeating, to seven or eight minutes full is appropriate, eat less and more meals. Overeating will increase the burden on the stomach, causing digestive dysfunction and slowing down gastric emptying. When food stays in the stomach and the pressure in the stomach increases, food will easily reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn, acid reflux, burping, bloating and other discomforts.