Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease and Your Diet

• Eat well balanced meals in small portions and eat slowly.
• Avoid products that contain caffeine such as regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee, regular tea and chocolate. Caffeine stimulates the production of stomach acids.
• Avoid foods and seasonings that stimulate gastric acid, such as black pepper, garlic, cloves and chili powder.
• Avoid lying down right after eating for at least three hours. 
• Try eating smaller, but more frequent, meals. Break your meals into two portions. Frequent small meals eaten in a relaxed environment are best.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid spearmint and peppermint foods and beverages. These relax the muscles in the esophagus. 
• Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
• Limit fried foods or high fat foods such as salami, pepperoni, French fries, nut butters, pastries and doughnuts. 

Contact your doctor before making any diet changes as related to your medical condition(s).

To make an appointment for nutrition counseling:

Outpatient diet counseling — 484-526-1000
Diabetes Center — 484-526-3025