Nutrition in reflux disease
The diet for reflux disease requires an individualised approach, which is ensured by specialists, as it is necessary to adapt the diet to the characteristics of each patient. The main recommendations include avoiding foods that may worsen reflux symptoms, but it is recommended to consume foods that promote gastric health, such as high-fibre vegetables, lean proteins and whole-grain products. It should be emphasised that self-treatment without consulting a doctor can lead to a worsening of the condition and the development of complications.
Features of nutrition in reflux disease
Reflux disease can be associated with various factors such as stress, the use of certain medications that affect the tone of the oesophageal sphincter, alcohol consumption and smoking. Excessive physical activity is not a direct cause of the disease, but can worsen symptoms in some cases. Regarding diet, it is important to adhere to the following principles:
- Thermal: Avoid very hot or very cold foods, as they can irritate the oesophagus.
- Chemical: It is important to control the composition of foods, avoiding acidic, spicy, fatty dishes and drinks containing caffeine or alcohol.
- Mechanical: Rough, hard foods that can irritate the oesophagus and make swallowing difficult should be avoided.
It is also important to pay attention to portion size, avoid overeating and eating just before bedtime. Eating a balanced diet with adequate fibre, lean proteins and whole-grain foods can help manage reflux symptoms.
If you have reflux disease, it is extremely important to see a gastroenterologist for expert advice. Treatment for this condition usually involves a comprehensive approach that may include dietary changes, medication and, in some cases, surgery. Although diet is an important part of symptom management, it alone cannot completely cure reflux disease.
What to limit in the diet in reflux disease

When you have reflux disease, it is important to avoid or limit your intake of certain foods that can worsen your symptoms. Here is a list of foods that should be minimised or completely eliminated from your diet:
- Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruits can increase the acidity of gastric juice.
- Hot spices and peppers: These foods can irritate the oesophagus.
- Tomatoes and tomato products: These can also increase acidity in the stomach.
- Cream sweets, cakes, chocolate: These foods are often high in fat, which can slow digestion and increase stomach acidity.
- Fatty meats and fish: These can slow digestion and increase acidity.
- Butter and margarine: Less fatty alternatives are recommended instead.
- Fried food: Frying increases the fat content of food, which can worsen reflux symptoms. Steaming or boiling is a better choice.
- Alcohol, coffee and fizzy drinks: These drinks can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and increase acidity.
Eating a balanced diet with an emphasis on lean proteins, whole grain products, fresh vegetables and citrus-free fruits can help control reflux symptoms. A consultation with a doctor or dietitian can help create a personalised diet plan.
When you have reflux disease, it is very helpful to eat in small portions to avoid overfilling the stomach, which can cause reflux. It is also important to avoid overeating, as this increases pressure in the stomach and increases the risk of reflux. It is important to limit your intake of sugar, salt and spices as they can irritate the oesophagus or increase stomach acid production. Choosing soft foods helps as they are easier to digest and less likely to irritate the oesophagus. It is advisable to avoid exercise for at least two hours after eating, as strenuous activity can cause reflux. You should also avoid lying down soon after eating, it is better to stay upright for a few hours after eating. These simple recommendations, together with your doctor’s advice, can help control the symptoms of reflux disease and improve your quality of life.
What you can eat when you have GERD
With gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is important to choose foods that help maintain a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals without triggering symptoms. Recommended foods include:
- Meat dishes with minimal fat: Turkey or chicken fillets without skin, cooked by boiling or steaming, are ideal.
- Bread products made from extra virgin flour: It is better to choose bread that is slightly dried out.
- Non-fatty fish without skin: For example, steamed fish cutlets.
- Dairy products: It is worth choosing whole milk, fresh sour cream without sourness, cottage cheese in limited quantities.
- Quail eggs, as well as a limited amount of butter (no more than 25-30 grams per day).
- Porridge: Boiled on milk or water.
As for vegetables, cauliflower, potatoes, green peas, beetroot and carrots are good. You can also include baked apples without peel, marshmallows, honey or marshmallows in your diet. These foods usually do not provoke GERD symptoms and can be helpful in maintaining overall health.
The main difficulty lies in the need to not only remove forbidden foods and add more allowed foods, but also to strike a balance between the foods. In most cases, a GERD diet programme will be for several months, which is necessary for treatment. This makes it necessary to take a responsible approach to the composition of the diet and to think about substitutes for each disappeared product.
That is why we recommend that you use the services of a specialist and get a balanced menu thanks to this. This will allow you to get all the necessary elements even with a special dietary programme. Otherwise, it is easy to face lack of energy, sleepiness or excessive stress.
Order a nutritional selection
Order a nutritional selection
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The cost of the initial consultation with Dr. Olga Bezugla (unaccompanied) 150 $
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Clinic nutritionist (unaccompanied) 100 $
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The cost of dietary support for a month 100 $
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