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Tips and Tricks for GERD Awareness Week

How To Manage GERD Symptoms During Holiday Meals

Thanksgiving is a holiday where most Americans gather with family and friends while indulging in delicious food. For about 20% of Americans however, they may experience GERD, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a chronic acid reflux condition. Those with GERD often feel heartburn, experience regurgitation of food, or difficulty swallowing when they eat. In preparation for Thanksgiving Dinner, and other large holiday meals, we have some tips for those with GERD manage their acid reflux symptoms so they can enjoy their holiday meals while avoiding troublesome symptoms.

Foods That Trigger GERD Symptoms

Everyone has different food triggers, but there are some foods that commonly cause problems for people with GERD and acid reflux.

Common GERD Trigger Foods:

  • Cheese

  • Chocolate

  • Peppermint

  • Citrus Fruits & Products

  • Fatty Meats (Bacon, Sausage)

  • Fatty, Greasy, Processed, and Spicy Foods

  • Alcohol, Caffeine, and Carbonated Beverages

  • Chili Powder & Black, Cayenne, and White Pepper

Avoid Eating GERD Triggering Foods During Thanksgiving:

  • Garlic & Onions

  • Spicy Sausage Stuffing

  • Creamy Sauces, Butter, and Gravy

  • Fried Foods (Fried Onions on Green Bean Casserole)

  • Cranberry Sauce (acidy is the problem, and there’s more when orange is added)

  • Avoid adding too many Tomatoes or Vinegar Salad Dressing on a salad

Thanksgiving Foods That’re Good for GERD

  • White Meat Turkey

  • Plain Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes

  • Leafy Greens and Plain Vegetables

  • Bread or Rolls - Whole Grain if Possible

Avoid trigger foods & eating foods that minimize GERD’s symptoms will help. If turning down a trigger food is not an option, LIMIT PORTION SIZES OF TRIGGER FOODS to decrease irritation that can result from eating them.

Eating in Moderation is KEY to Minimize GERD & Acid Reflux Symptoms whether Consuming GERD Friendly Foods AND Trigger Foods


How To Relieve Symptom Flare Ups From GERD or Acid Reflux?

Simple Tricks to Relieve GERD & Acid Reflux Symptoms

  1. SIP ON WATER

    Slowing Drinking Water May Help Dilute Stomach Acid

  2. AVOID LAYING DOWN

    Being in a Horizontal Position Aggravates Acid Reflux, try Going for a Walk Instead to Help Digest the Meal

  3. WEAR SOMETHING LOOSE

    Clothes that fit tightly around the waist can add pressure to the bottom of the esophagus (esophageal sphincter) and the stomach, aggravating GERD or acid reflux symptoms

Over The Counter (OTC) Medications for GERD & Acid Reflux Relief

  • Antacids, such as TUMS, Neutralize Stomach Acid

    Antacids are great options for symptoms that come out of the blue and quick relief is needed. However, using some of these medications too often may cause diarrhea or kidney problems (4)

  • H2 Antagonists, Pepcid or Zantac (famotidine), Decrease Acid Production in the Stomach

    H2 Antagonists take a little longer to start working than antacids, so Pepcid or Zantac should be taken up to an hour before a meal. These medications serve as a good Preventative Measure before enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors, Prevacid 24 HR or Prilosec OTC, Block Acid Long Enough for Damaged Esophagus to Heal

    Proton Pump Inhibitors are stronger acid blockers than H2 Antagonists and they also allow time for damaged esophagus tissue to heal. H2 Antagonists and Proton Pump Inhibitors are also available at prescription strength.

BEFORE STARTING ANY MEDICATION ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A PHARMACIST OR DOCTOR
Prior to picking up NEW medications examine the bottle to ensure it’s safe and right for your needs. If needed, ask a Pharmacist for assistance selecting the right OTC medication for GERD and Acid Reflux symptom relief.

For those experiencing GERD or Acid Reflux Symptoms MORE THAN TWICE WEEKLY, despite using OTC medications and still have trouble controlling symptoms, it may be appropriate to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that suits you.

We Hope These Tips & Tricks for Managing GERD and Acid Reflux Symptoms Help Everyone

Have a Happy, Safe, and Delicious Thanksgiving!


Author: Sarah Schang | PharmD Candidate 2024 | University of Michigan


Resources

  1. DDA | How To Enjoy Thanksgiving When You Have Acid Reflux 

  2. GI | Acid Reflux

  3. Hopkins Medicine | GERD Diet: Foods That Help With Acid Reflux Heartburn 

  4. Mayo Clinic | GERD Symptoms and Causes