Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD and irritable bowel disease (IBD), can be debilitating diseases that can affect anyone at any specific time in their lives. GERD results when acid from the stomach flows back into the tube (or the esophagus) that connects your mouth and stomach. IBD, like Crohn’s and colitis affect the small and large intestine, leading to cramps, bloating, and loose bowel movements, meaning doctor-prescribed treatments would be necessary. Here are some particular foods that trigger GERD and IBD symptoms:
1. Alcohol
There are many foods and some drinks that may trigger symptoms of GERD and IBD. It is important if you experience GERD to refrain from eating and drinking these foods as they can increase the symptoms and result in more serious GERD symptoms. Alcohol is one of those drinks that can increase symptoms. Alcohol is high in acidity than many other drinks and can increase more heartburn. An example would be beer and hard alcohol. Although low in alcohol content, beer is acidic and has a lot of carbonation which is bad for heartburn. Hard alcohol specifically darker alcohol such as brandy, whisky, and rum can also lead to heartburn due to its high alcohol content.
2. Spicy foods
Many people who experience GERD often blame spicy foods for their heartburn. Spicy foods are usually related to the spices used within foods such as black pepper, chili, curry, hot peppers, and salsa. However, science has not proven any direct link to eating spicy foods and GERD symptoms.
3. Garlic and onions
Foods such as garlic and onions have high acidity in them and can cause more frequent GERD symptoms in individuals with GERD symptoms. Specifically, raw onion and undercooked onions have higher acidity than cooked onions. Those who experience GERD symptoms should ensure their onions are completely cooked or refrain from eating them to avoid GERD symptoms.
4. Chocolate
Chocolate specifically dark chocolate can be difficult to refrain from however for individuals who suffer from GERD, this can be difficult. Chocolate not only contains caffeine but theobromine which is a xanthine alkaloid found in natural cacao plants. Dark chocolate has more acidic intensity than milk chocolate and can increase GERD symptoms. The chocolate causes the lower esophageal sphincter to relax resulting in acid reflux backflow.
5. Citrus fruits
Acidic fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, and pineapples will cause an increase in GERD symptoms. They are more likely to cause acid reflux when the stomach is empty. So, if you are the avid breakfast grapefruit eater for breakfast, it is best to eat something else with it to help absorb some of the acids from the grapefruit.
Eating acidic foods while suffering from IBD and GERD can have an overall negative effect on your life. Not only do acidic foods cause patients to get physically sick, but they can also burn the esophagus and reduce the lining resulting in the patient needing surgery. Further, allowing too many acidic foods into your diet while experiencing GERD can lead to bone and muscle deterioration in the long term. Over-the-counter medication has become available to reduce GERD symptoms however it is important for individuals with GERD to refrain from acidic foods to calm their symptoms. IBD sufferers, on the other hand, will require doctor-prescribed medications, like Stelara, Entyvio, Otezla, Kesimpta, Linzess, to manage their symptoms.
