Foods That Cause GERD: What to Know

GERD happens when stomach contents move back into the oesophagus and irritate it. A rich or large meal may delay stomach emptying or increase pressure in the stomach, while acidic or spicy foods can make the burning sensation feel stronger. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, mint and alcohol can relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus in some people. This does not mean every listed food must be avoided, and a trigger can depend on portion size, timing and preparation.

Symptoms may include heartburn, a sour taste, food coming back up, throat irritation or a cough. Reflux can also disturb sleep when symptoms appear after lying down. Ongoing symptoms can occur for reasons beyond diet, such as a hiatus hernia or excess body weight, so food changes are only one part of assessment.

Keep a short food and symptom diary. Record what you ate, the portion, when you ate it, when symptoms started and whether you lay down soon afterwards. Change one suspected trigger at a time, then reassess rather than removing many foods at once. Choose smaller meals, eat slowly, and avoid lying down soon after eating. If evening reflux is a problem, finish dinner earlier and raise the upper body during sleep as advised by a clinician. A pharmacist or doctor can explain whether an over-the-counter treatment is suitable and how long to use it.

Arrange a medical review if symptoms keep returning, interfere with sleep, or continue despite sensible food and habit changes. Seek urgent help for chest tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, because chest symptoms should not be assumed to be reflux. Prompt assessment is also needed for trouble swallowing, painful swallowing, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss or persistent abdominal pain.

Which of my symptoms fit GERD, and could another condition explain them? Should I test one food trigger at a time? How long should I try lifestyle changes before review? Is a medicine appropriate with my other treatments? Do I need assessment for a hiatus hernia or ongoing cough?