Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
 
DIVISION OF GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY

Nutrition Information

Gastroesophageal Reflux Diet

Nutrition Information

Use: This diet is indicated for people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease or its complications, such as esophageal ulcers, esophagitis, and peptic esophageal strictures and is useful for those who experience heartburn, a common symptom of reflux.

Tips To Control Heartburn:

  • Avoid foods and beverages that irritate the esophagus lining, including fried and fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruit and juices, and tomato products. See Food selection below.
  • Maintain upright posture during and after eating.
  • Eat 5-6 small meals instead of 3 large meals.
  • Avoid clothing that is tight in the abdominal area.
  • Lose weight if overweight. See sample meal plan below.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Elevate the head of the bed 6 inches.
  • Avoid lying down 2 to 3 hours after eating.
  • See a dietitian to help devise an individual meal plan.

Guidelines For Selection of Foods

Recommended Foods May Cause Distress
Beverages
Skim, 1%, 2% low fat milk, buttermilk, juices (except citrus), decaffeinated, non-mint herbal teas
 
Whole milk, chocolate milk, citrus juices, carbonated beverages, tomato juice, mint tea, coffee (regular or decaf), alcohol
Breads and Cereals
Plain breads, cereals, rolls, bagels, low fat crackers, low fat muffins,
 
Croissants, doughnuts, sweet rolls
Desserts
Angelfood cake, sponge cake, low fat cookies, gelatin, sherbet, fruit ice, low fat yogurt or ice cream.
 
Pies, cookies, cakes, ice cream, any desserts containing chocolate
Fats
Reduced-calorie/low fat dressings, mayonnaise, and margarine; small amounts of vegetable oil
 
Gravies, heavy cream, meat drippings, butter
Fruits
Fresh, frozen and canned fruits as tolerated
 
Orange, lemon, tangerine, pineapple, grapefruit, citrus juices
Meat and meat substitutes
Lean meat, poultry (without skin), fish (fresh or packed in water), shellfish, low fat yogurt, low fat cheese, tofu, dried beans and peas, eggs
 
Fried meat, poultry, fish, or eggs, regular lunch meat, hot dogs, sausages
Potatoes and Starches
Baked, boiled, mashed with low fat milk, pasta, rice
 
French Fries, potato chips, and pasta with cream sauces
Soups
Fat ‚ free broths, homemade soups: cream soup made with low fat milk
 
Regular cream soups and t tomato based soups
Vegetables
Plain fresh, frozen, and canned
 
Fried or creamy style vegetables and tomato products
Spices
Salt, vinegar, garlic, oregano, sage, pepper,
 
Cajun spices, spearmint, peppermint, chili, jalapeno peppers

Sample Meal Plan for GERD
2000 calorie, 3 meals, 2 snacks
Low fat meal plan( 25% kcal from fat

Breakfast
Apple juice (1/2 cup)
Whole grain cereal (1 cup)
Banana
Skim milk (1cup)

Lunch
Vegetable soup (1 cup)
Saltines (4)
Whole wheat bread (2)
Turkey (3 slices)
Low fat cheese (1 slice)
Lettuce and tomato
Mayonnaise (1tbls)
Apple (1)
Iced Tea

Morning Snack
Graham crackers (4)
Low fat yogurt (1)

Afternoon Snack
Pretzels (1 ounce)
Peach (1)

Dinner
Green salad (2 cups)
Reduced Calorie Dressing (2 tbls)
Baked Skinless Chicken Breast (4 oz)
Rice (2/3 cup)
Dinner roll (1 small)
Margarine (1 tsp)
Broccoli (1/2 cup)
Apple juice (1 cup)

Sources:

  • National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
    2 Information Way
    Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
    301-654-3810
    http://www.niddk.nih.gov
  • Manual of Clinical Dietetics
    4th Edition
    1992, The American Dietetic Association

By: Emily Rubin, RD
Registered Dietitian for Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
To contact for questions or to make an appointment:
e-mail: Emily.Rubin@jefferson.edu
phone: 215-955-4152