It’s very difficult to find a person who hasn’t gone through GERD symptoms in a lifetime. People tend to ignore those symptoms.

GERD can be a serious issue when you don’t concentrate on it. But you can keep GERD in control just by cutting off some specific foods.

So, now the concern is what foods to avoid with GERD.

Foods that are high in fat and cholesterol should not stay in your diet in order to reduce GERD symptoms. Moreover, citrus fruits, spicy foods, and fried foods trigger heartburn which is a common symptom of GERD. Caffeine also increases the burning sensation in the chest.

Chocolate	Spicy foods	Garlic	Onions
Fried food	Tomatoes	Acidic drinks or foods	Potato chips
Carbonated beverages	Citrus fruits	Peppermint	Cheese
Alcohol	Fatty foods	Beverages	Processed foods
Caffeine	Mint	Dairy product	Whole milk

The article gives a deep insight into foods you shouldn’t consume with GERD symptoms. So, read the article to enlighten yourself.

What Makes Food Bad for GERD

When the eaten contents pull back into the food pipe from the stomach regularly is known as GERD. It is also referred to as acid reflux or heartburn. 

However, this situation can be improved by avoiding certain foods. Many cases of GERD can be successfully treated by making dietary and lifestyle adjustments. 

There are some food properties that trigger GERD symptoms. Let’s focus on those substances first. 

High in Fat

Having more than 20 g of fat per day can trigger GERD symptoms very badly. The stomach feels constricted due to the additional belly fat. As a result, more liquid ascends and enters your esophagus.

So you’re more prone to develop GERD and stomach acid leakage. Fatty foods remain in the stomach for a long time because of the digestive process.

High cholesterol

Diet consists of high cholesterol that can cause GERD symptoms frequently. Intaking more than 200 mg of cholesterol is significantly linked to rising GERD symptoms. In fact, increasing GERD symptom intensity was linked to bad cholesterol scores. 

Caffeine

Caffeine has been identified as a positive trigger for acid reflux. It relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter pressure also known as LES. LES becoming lower results in GERD symptoms.

A person should consume under 400mg of caffeine per day. Let’s look at some data on the regular types of coffees and teas you intake.

Type of Coffee	Caffeine ( per 8 oz serving)
Black Coffee	95 to 165 mg
Instant Black Coffee	63 mg
Latte	63 to 126 mg
Decaf Coffee	2 to 5 mg
Black Tea	25 to 48 mg
Decaf Black Tea	2 to 5 mg
Green Tea	25 to 29 mg

Spicy Contents

Spicy foods contain chilies that are loaded with capsaicin. A South Korean study shows that hot, spicy stews and noodles are regular gastrointestinal offenders. Cayenne, curry powder and cloves exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.

Acidic Contents

Lemon and tangerine, these citrus fruits contain water-soluble ascorbic acid and citric acid. These acidic contents lower the ph level of your stomach drastically. A normal esophageal pH is close to 7.0. The lower threshold is 4.0 for us. An intraesophageal ph of less than 4.0 is directly related to GERD symptoms.

Foods to Avoid with GERD

It’s time to know the exact foods which are not friendly with GERD. Let’s sort them out one by one.

Vegetables, Herbs, and Spices to Avoid with GERD

Vegetables	Why bad for GERD	Alternatives
Onions	Stimulate gastric acid in Stomach	green onions and milder shallots
Black pepper	Acid properties	White pepper
Cinnamon	Spicy properties	Cloves
Garlic	Acidic	Ginger
Oregano	Spicy properties	Basil
Wasabi	Spicy flavor	English mustard powder

Is Cabbage Bad for GERD

Cabbage is generally considered to be a low-acidic vegetable and is not known to be a common trigger for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in most people.

In fact, cabbage is often considered to be a beneficial food for GERD and acid reflux sufferers due to its potential alkalizing effects and high fiber content, which may help to promote digestion and reduce symptoms.

Cabbage, particularly when cooked, is typically well-tolerated by most people with GERD.

However, eating large amounts of raw cabbage or consuming cabbage in combination with other trigger foods or beverages, such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, or alcohol, may potentially trigger GERD symptoms in some individuals.

Is Black Pepper Bad for GERD

Spicy substances are a great trigger for GERD. So, food items with black pepper frequently have acid reflux or GERD. Naturally, black pepper is acidic which is responsible for worsening GERD symptoms.

Rather you can use white or bell pepper in your cuisine. These are anti-inflammatory and don’t trigger your heartburn sensation. White pepper also helps to reduce blood pressure and control blood flow.

Related Article: Are Bell Peppers Acidic? Are Bell Peppers Bad for Acid Reflux?

Is Cinnamon Bad for GERD

Spice cinnamon can cause GERD symptoms. Especially, when you have it regularly more than ½ teaspoon, it can worsen acid reflux. But occasional consumption may not harm you that much.

In fact, you can have cinnamon tea which is overall healthy. But don’t forget to consult with your medical provider before intaking it.

Is Garlic Bad for GERD

Garlic triggers GERD symptoms in many people. People who have no heartburn issues may remain safe. However, enough people are impacted by them that the medical adviser advises keeping note of these meals in your diary.

Since raw garlic is extremely acidic, make sure they’re entirely cooked before eating. And it may reduce your feelings of heartburn.

Is Oregano Bad for GERD

Having red-hot salsa is tempting and mouth-watering. But it can be a serious issue for you if you have GERD.

Your stomach can be upset due to consuming big amounts of oregano. Rather go for cayenne and nutmeg which work best as spices.

Is Peppermint Bad for GERD

If you’re struggling with GERD don’t consume peppermint and drink peppermint tea. Because the sphincter that separates the stomach and esophagus might weaken due to peppermint consumption.

It can even enable stomach acids back into the esophagus.

Is Paprika Bad for GERD

Eating too much paprika can cause GERD and pressurize the lining of the stomach. Mostly hot paprika worsens the condition of heartburn. Especially, staying away from having paprika on an empty stomach, can lead to certain gastric problems.

Is Wasabi Bad for GERD

Wasabi has a pungent and spicy flavor which can be a trigger for people with ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, and digestive disorders. Especially pregnant women must avoid wasabi due to its gas-forming profile.

Is Onions Bad for GERD?

Onions are known to be a common trigger for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in some individuals. Onions are a member of the allium family of vegetables, which also includes garlic, shallots, and leeks. These vegetables are known to contain fermentable carbohydrates and volatile oils that can potentially contribute to GERD symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation, in susceptible individuals.

Fruits to Avoid with GERD

Fruits	Why bad for GERD	Alternatives
Jackfruit	Acidic	Breadfruit
Organe	Acidic	Grapefruit
Pineapple	Acid contents	papaya, mangoes
Tomato	Acidic	Olives

Is Jackfruit Bad for GERD

Naturally jackfruit is acidic. So too much consumption of jackfruit can lead to GERD. Again it contains high fiber which can lead to the indigestible syndrome.

As a result, it remains in the stomach for a long period of time and creates heartburn. You can rather eat apples, pears, bananas, and stone fruit.

Is Orange Bad for GERD

As a citrus fruit oranges contain citric acid which is not friendly for GERD.  Orange contains strong acid which opens the esophageal sphincter and aggravates symptoms. However, your stomach becomes more full as a result, increasing the risk of reflux.

Also, you should cut off orange juice if you find a correlation with your symptoms.

Is Lemon/Lemon Juice Bad for GERD

Lemon is also considered a citrus fruit that contains acidic properties. Excessive consumption of lemon can trigger acid reflux.

On the other hand, lemon juice can cause heartburn as well. Especially acid reflux, vulnerable people should stay away from drinking it.

Is Pineapple Bad for GERD

Fruits with acid contents are known as harmful for acid reflux. And pineapple contains a high amount of acid. So, the consumption of pineapple can trigger heartburn. Pineapple eating especially can be worse when you have it on an empty stomach.

Hence, make sure you’re avoiding pineapple and pineapple juice if you’re inclined to heartburn.

Is Tomatoes Bad for GERD

Tomatoes come up with savory flavor and work as a staple in many food items. We can’t think about pasta, pizza, or lasagna without tomato sauce. Though tomatoes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, they’re also high in acid.

However, people who struggle with GERD should steer clear of tomatoes. Because your stomach’s acidity will rise as a result of tomato acids.

Dairy to Avoid with GERD

Diaries	Why bad for GERD	Alternative
Milk	High in fat	Oat milk, almond milk
Butter	High in saturated fat	Ghee
Cheese	High in saturated fat	Pesto, cashew cheese
Ice cream	High in added sugar	Greek yogurt ice cream
Chocolate	Caffeine	Organic peanut butter

Is Milk Bad for GERD

Naturally milk consists of high fat which can aggravate heartburn badly. Also, milk produces gas which can create an irritating sensation in your chest. So, keep your diet milk free if you have GERD symptoms quite often.

Along with that, milk has lactose which doesn’t have a friendly relationship with acid reflux or heartburn.

Is Butter Bad for GERD

Though butter is mildly acidic, it is high in saturated fat. Our body definitely needs fat to function properly. But having more than 20 g of saturated fat can cause GERD symptoms to worsen.

So, remove butter from your daily meals, instead have healthy unsaturated fat like olive oil or avocados.

Is Cheese Bad for GERD

Cheese is a full-fat dairy product that secretly contributes to creating GERD symptoms. Cheese tends to sit in your stomach for a long time that’s why the digestion process has been delayed.

Again, 100g of regular cheese contains 21g of saturated fat which can cause GERD  symptoms. Because fat hinders the stomach’s ability to empty.

Is Chocolate Bad for GERD

Caffeine which relaxes the LES, is present in chocolate and is responsible for raising GERD symptoms. Another acidic ingredient that might elevate stomach acid is cocoa powder.

Also, serotonin is also released by eating chocolate which is a mood-regulating hormone. Therefore, serotonin can soften the LES which raises the risk of acid reflux.

Is Ice Cream Bad for GERD

Ice cream and other cold dairy items can actually weaken and damage the lower esophageal sphincter’s ability to function.

Consequently, it is considerably simpler for stomach acid to backwash up into the esophagus. So, try to kill your ice cream cravings if you’re experiencing GERD symptoms frequently.

Grains to Avoid with GERD

Grains	Why bad for GERD	Alternatives
White bread	Refined carbs	Brown bread
Ramen	Too much spicy	Shirataki noodles
Wheat	Gluten	Almond flour

Is Bread Bad for GERD

White bread is not recommended for people who face GERD symptoms 2-3 times a week. Since refined grains contain very low fiber, you should avoid these foods due to their acid reflux aggravating nature.

Rather you can simply go with whole-grain bread. It’s not only full of vitamins and minerals but a decent choice for GERD patients.

Is Ramen Noodles Bad for GERD

Instant noodles like ramen are supremely spicy and fatty at the same time. It’ll be disheartening to ramen lovers that it causes increasing GERD symptoms.

Nevertheless, ramen has acidifying qualities while having a neutral pH level. As a result of digestion in your stomach, it turns acidic and stimulates the formation of stomach acid.

Is Wheat Bad for GERD

Since wheat is full of gluten, it can induce GERD symptoms. Though it’s not proven that wheat is fully responsible to make you a GERD sufferer. But people who already face acid reflux should avoid wheat.

So whole wheat bread, cakes, and pasta can bring a certain discomfort gas in your stomach.

Protein to Avoid with GERD

Protein	Why bad for GERD	Alternatives
Beef	High in saturated fat and cholesterol	Ostrich
Pork	High in saturated fat and cholesterol	Chicken
Mayonnaise	High in saturated fat and cholesterol	Greek yogurt
Egg	High in fat	Yolkless egg
Bacon	Fat properties	Mushroom

Is Bacon Bad for GERD

If you’re suffering from GERD symptoms regularly, bacon shouldn’t be on your breakfast table. It’s considered highly bad for activating acid reflux due to its fat content. Nevertheless, the lower esophageal sphincter(LES) relaxes as a result of an oily and fatty diet.

Because it permits extra acid to pass back up into the esophagus. Though the pH level of bacon is high, it turns into an acidic form after digestion.

Is Egg Bad for GERD

Egg yolks are high in fat which can trigger GERD flare-ups. So, cut off the yummy yolks if you don’t want to have further heartburn from your breakfast meal.

But you can have egg white as much as you want. Because egg white is full of protein and has low acidity. It can improve your stomach’s digestion and can soothe acid reflux.

Is Beef Bad for GERD

High saturated fat present in beef tends to aggravate acid reflux. Also, high-fat properties can slow down digestion and loosen the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus.

From 100g of beef, you can have 15g of fat which is difficult to digest for a GERD sufferer.

Is Pork Bad for GERD

Like beef, pork contains high saturated fat which remains in the stomach for a long period. So eating pork can raise the risk of getting acid reflux.

Rather try to eat lean protein religiously like chicken, turkey, and fish. These will serve your body with a vast amount of protein without increasing GERD symptoms.

Is Mayonnaise Bad for GERD

You should cut off mayonnaise if you’re going through severe GERD symptoms. Mayonnaise is highly processed and contains high fat which can trigger acid reflux.

If your diet still urges for mayonnaise, choose a low-fat one that doesn’t tend to create irritation on your chest.

Is Fried Chicken Bad for GERD

When chicken turns into fried chicken it becomes the worst food for acid reflux. Actually, the greasiness of fried chicken leads to heartburn.  Greasy foods tend to digest slowly and remain in the stomach for much longer.

In fact, they keep the lower esophageal sphincter from closing completely. And it leaves a gap for stomach acids to pass through.

Are Nuggets Bad for GERD

Nuggets are full of fat which causes heartburn frequently. If you’ve 100g of nuggets, you’ll have 20g of fat which may not serve you positively.

Since nuggets are processed food, they contain multiple chemicals and additives. People who are non-tolerant can go through GERD flare-up symptoms.

Drinks to Avoid with GERD

Drinks	Why bad for GERD	Alternatives
Alcohol	Forms gas and damages esophageal	Virgin mojito
Coffee	Caffeine	Green tea
Gatorade	Citric acid	Watermelon water
Kombucha	Caffeine	Quinoa
Soda	Excessive sugar	Maple water

Is Alcohol Bad for GERD

Alcohol habit brings no good for your esophageal. Your GERD symptoms can increase due to consuming alcohol. On the other hand, alcohol is a sedative that makes you excrete more frequently.

In fact, you can experience dehydration which exacerbates the symptoms of acid reflux. Also, alcohol may also contribute to LES disruption, which heightens acid reflux symptoms.

Is Coffee Bad for GERD

Coffee triggers GERD symptoms due to its caffeine content. Since caffeine irritates the esophagus and relaxes the LES, it back pushes stomach content which can cause heartburn.

Try to limit your coffee intake to lessen the GERD symptoms. Instead, you can have green tea to cater to your coffee cravings.

Is Gatorade Bad for GERD

I hate to tell you that your favorite Gatorade contains citric acid and it can activate acid reflux. Also, it is full of added sugar. You’ll get 34 grams of sugar from having a 20-ounce Gatorade bottle.

To keep yourself hydrated, consume water as much as you can rather than having Gatorade.

Is Kombucha Bad for GERD

Kombucha also contains caffeine which is a big no for people with GERD symptoms. Also, acid and alcohol contents have been found in kombucha.

Each content of kombucha annoys the food pipe and worsens GERD symptoms. Drinking kombucha in vast amounts can increase the acidity of the stomach.

Is Soda Bad for GERD

Sugar and caffeine may be found in sodas. The more frequently you consume caffeinated and sugary drinks, your LES functionality decreases.

Nevertheless, the stomach interior pressure rises as a result of the carbonation in sodas. Reflux becomes common when the pressure buildup and caffeine’s LES relaxing properties are combined.

Other Foods to Avoid with GERD

Here I am mentioning some popular foods you should avoid if you are suffering from GERD:

Are Deep-fried Foods Bad for GERD

Naturally deep-fried foods contain a lot of saturated fat which sits longer in the stomach. Also, fried and fatty foods break down very slowly.

So, your stomach will release extra acid to dissolve these complex lipids. As a result, your stomach will consequently feel fuller and the probability of reflux will rise.

Is Fish Oil Bad for GERD

Fish is not an enemy of GERD, but fish oil can set off various gastrointestinal issues. If you face GERD symptoms regularly, don’t consume fish oil. Better you take counsel from your doctor before having fish or fish oil.

Is Hummus Bad for GERD

Hummus is bad for people who are acid reflux sufferers. Consuming hummus can cause chest pain and heartburn. Chickpeas and beans are the main ingredients of hummus which are known as acid reflux potential items.

Sometimes hummus also contains sesame seeds paste which is a great trigger for heartburn.

Is Nutella Bad for GERD

Since Nutella contains cocoa powder, it can increase your acid reflux symptoms. Cocoa powder is acidic, better if you avoid it during GERD flare-ups. Rather you can choose creamy peanut butter.

Is Pizza Bad for GERD

Who doesn’t love a slice of savory pizza? But you should watch out for your GERD symptoms. Because most of the ingredients of pizza trigger acid reflux. Cheese, oregano, and sauce are largely responsible for increased heartburn.

So, do avoid pizza to stay healthy. If you really want to have one choose goat cheese pizza.

Is Ranch Bad for GERD

Ranch salad is yummy but it is acidic due to its 4.5 pH level. Though it doesn’t cause you inviting heartburn, those who are already experiencing acid reflux should avoid ranch.

But occasional consumption might not cause any harm. Whatever, consult with your medical provider before eating.

A Proper Healthy Diet Plan for GERD

Maintaining a proper healthy diet can help to get rid of unwanted GERD issues. So, I am providing you with a mind-blowing diet chart that is full of nutrients. Also, you’ll be safe from acid reflux.

Daily Meal Plan	Meal Options	Food Options
Breakfast	Breakfast 1	1 yolkless boiled egg with 1 cup of ginger tea and 1 granola bar
	Breakfast 2	1 glass of smoothie(1 banana, 2 cups of grapes, and 2 cups of almond milk) with 1 English muffin
	Breakfast 3	Tropical oatmeal (1 cup oatmeal, ½ oat milk, ½ banana, ½ cup of papaya slice with margarine 1 tablespoon)
Lunch	Lunch 1	1 cup of brown rice with 1 oven-roasted chicken breast
	Lunch 2	Baked shrimp and veggies(carrots, spinach with olive oil)
	Lunch 3	Tuna salad on pita( 1 cup of tuna tossed with ½ of nonfat yogurt with a slight touch of mustard with 1 pita bread)
Evening Snacks	Evening Snack 1	1 finely chopped apple with peanut butter
	Evening Snack 2	Cashew cheese with whole grain crackers
	Evening Snack 3	1 cup of cherries with greek yogurt
Dinner	Dinner 1	1 maple barbeque salmon with roasted salad
	Dinner 2	Apricot turkey thighs with carrots, beets and sweet potato
	Dinner 3	Baked chicken meatballs

FAQs

Is apple and apple cider vinegar bad for GERD?

Apple is not bad for GERD sufferers. In fact, apples help to reduce gastroesophageal reflux disease. But you should stay away from intaking apple cider vinegar due to its acidic substances. Along with that, apple cider vinegar moves up gastric acid and forms gas. 

Is cranberry bad for GERD?

Cranberry in solid form isn’t supposed to be bad for GERD. but when it comes in a juice form, it becomes acidic. The pH value of cranberry juice is around 2.3 to 2.5. So, it’s better not to drink cranberry juice.    

Are nuts bad for GERD? 

Nuts are full of fats. Though the fats are unsaturated, they still can be triggers for GERD. Acid reflux happens especially when nuts have been taken before bedtime. If your diet demands nuts, choose almonds. Because peanuts, cashews, and walnuts are maximumly responsible for arising GERD symptoms   

Conclusion

Hopefully you’ve perceived each food you need to avoid with GERD. 

Actually, it’s not a tough job to keep your GERD symptoms in control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adjustments in your diet can be hugely effective for controlling acid reflux symptoms. Moreover, you should seek help from your doctor in order to add any food to your diet.

So, it’s time to sign off here. I’ll be back with other queries. Till then stay safe and healthy.