Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. The most common symptom is heartburn. Patients also experience chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and backwash. Since many people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also have other health concerns, like Kesimpta treatment or if they’re taking Crohn’s medication, diet is a common way to manage symptoms that doesn’t conflict with their other treatments. There are six foods in particular that GERD sufferers often find helpful to add to their diets:

1. Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help many people with GERD and other stomach issues. Unfortunately, there is a delicate balancing act involved. Getting enough into the diet may help reduce inflammation, but too much will cause acid reflux to happen. The amount varies for every individual, so some level of experimentation is required. It’s a good idea to write down the amount that works best for you and work with that amount in mind. It may fluctuate based on how many other acidic foods are in your diet, so keeping a routine can be useful.

2. Oatmeal

When people with GERD overeat, their symptoms can get worse. For this reason, eating foods that make a person feel more full can help curb overeating and therefore manage their symptoms. Oatmeal is an excellent option for people with GERD because it’s high in fiber, balances the stomach well, and keeps people feeling full, which helps them avoid overeating.

3. Low acid Fruits

Avocados, mangos, coconuts, bananas, and melons like watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe are all fruits that are low in acid and great options for adding to a GERD diet. Apples with the skin are another low acid fruit that is also high in fiber, which can help you feel more full and lead to a well-balanced diet. Eating fruits high in acid, like pineapple, can relax the esophageal sphincter and lead to heartburn.

4. Lean meats and Seafood

Meats that are high in fat are harder for the body to digest. They also tend to be high in fatty acids. These factors lead to a higher risk of heartburn. People with GERD benefit from eating lean meats and seafood. These options include beef with a low fat content, turkey, chicken without the skin, and seafood like fish, lobster, and prawns.

5. Egg whites

Egg yolks are high in fatty acids and raise cholesterol. They lead to the same problems as fatty meats. However, egg whites are easy to digest, full of protein, and are a heart-healthy option.

6. Healthy fats

While the word “fat” often has a negative connotation, a healthy diet does include fat. The issue is that many fats cause health problems, especially for people with GERD. Fatty foods like bacon or processed meats can cause acid reflux. To manage a healthy diet, people with GERD can look for healthy fats in foods like avocados and olive oil. Avocados double as a low acid fruit, so they’re a strong choice for a healthy low acidic diet.