Gastric Reflux Diet

DEFINITION

The aim of the diet for Gastric Reflux and Hiatus Hernia is to improve gastric emptying, to minimise acid production in the stomach, to avoid foods which may irritate a damaged oesophagus, to avoid constipation and to help control weight where necessary.

DIET SHOULD BE HIGH IN

1. FIBRE AND FLUID to help normalise bowel function and avoid constipation. Eat plenty of bran cereals, wholemeal and wholegrain breads, a wide variety of beans and peas, non-citrus fruit and vegetables. Drink 6-8 glasses of water, preferably BETWEEN meals and snacks to flush the digestive system and avoid over filling the stomach at meal times.

DIET SHOULD BE ADEQUATE IN

The following foods which are not irritating and have good nutritional value:
1. Lean meats, chicken, fish and turkey with skin removed.
2. Low fat milk and yoghurt (unflavoured).
3. Non-citrus fruit: apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches and pears.
4. Wholemeal or wholegrain bread, rice and cereals.
5. Beverages: non-citrus fruit juice, non-mint herbal teas, decaffeinated tea or coffee, low-fat soups and water.

DIET SHOULD BE LOW IN

The following foods which aggravate reflux:
1. FATS of any type. Fats slow down digestion and hold food in the stomach for longer. Avoid fried foods, snack foods, take-away foods generally, added fats and oils, excess cheese, chocolate, pies, pastries, full cream dairy foods.
2. ACIDIC foods which may cause a burning sensation as they pass over an inflamed oesophagus such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, vinegar, peppermint, salad dressings, mayonnaise, curries, tomatoes.
3. MILK. Milk may give some temporary relief as it coats the lining of the oesophagus but it tends to STIMULATE acid production in the stomach due to its fat and protein content.
4. CAFFEINE in coffee, cola drinks, chocolate and tea; alcohol (all types), also avoid smoking.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

Two glasses water on rising.

BREAKFAST

1. 1/2-1 cup rolled oats porridge with low fat milk or 1/2 cup bran cereal with low fat milk or 1-2 slices wholemeal toast with one egg - boiled, scrambled, poached.
2. 1 cup decaffeinated or herbal tea or coffee, and water between meals.

MORNING TEA

1. One piece fresh non-citrus fruit.
2. 2-4 rice cakes or cracker/biscuits with berry jam.

LUNCH

1. 2-4 slices wholemeal bread or 1-2 wholemeal bread rolls or bagels or 1-1 and half cups steamed rice.
2. 1-2 slices lean cold meat or 1/4 cup chicken (no skin) or salmon, tuna, sardines, or 1-2 thin slices low-fat cheese.
3. Salad or steamed vegetables as desired.
Decaffeinated or herbal tea or coffee and water between meals.

AFTERNOON TEA

1. One tub of low-fat yoghurt.
2. 1-2 bran crumpets with berry jam or 1-2 slices wholemeal fruit loaf.

DINNER

1. 100-150g lean red meat, chicken flesh, turkey or vegetarian meat substitute or 150-200g fish - grilled, baked, poached or 1-2 egg omelette with grated low fat cheese and low fat, non-irritating flavourings.
2. One to two medium steamed potatoes mashed with low fat milk or 1/2-1 cup steamed rice or pasta.
3. Plenty of lightly cooked vegetables.
Avoid eating for 3 hours before retiring.

REMEMBER

If further help is needed in improving digestion, see the Digestive Disorders Diet.
1. Eat little and often.
2. Drink fluids BETWEEN meals and snacks.
3. Avoid fatty foods and foods known to be irritating.
4. Eat plenty of high fibre foods and drink 6-8 glasses water daily.
5. Control weight with moderate serves of food and daily exercise.
6. Raise the head of the bed 6-8 inches to minimise acid exposure during sleep.

NOTES

It is best to eat little and more often through the day and avoid drinking with meals.