Gastroesophageal reflux disorder or GERD is a condition in which the stomach sends acid up the esophagus after meals. Various things may trigger this condition, including what one eats. To prevent GERD from occurring, one needs to manage what they eat and avoid effectively. This means that they should include healthy foods and avoid or limit those foods that act as triggers. Let’s take a look at the different foods that trigger GERD.

1. Dairy
Whole milk and products made from it can seriously trigger GERD symptoms. Therefore, one must limit or avoid foods, such as cheese, milkshakes, hot chocolate, ice creams, and yogurt made of whole milk. Switching to low-fat milk and milk products or even alternatives to cow’s milk like soy or almond milk can be helpful.

2. Alcohol
Alcohol’s ill effects on the body are no secret. It disrupts the digestive system, irritates the stomach, and seriously triggers GERD symptoms. Therefore, it is best to eliminate wine, beers, and spirits. If one still wants to consume alcohol, they must ensure that they limit themselves to one or two drinks, not mix alcohol with carbonated or caffeinated beverages, and not drink right before going to bed.

3. Acidic food and drink
Foods and drinks that are acidic can trigger GERD symptoms and cause acid reflux. Even healthy fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and pineapples may aggravate symptoms. Therefore, one should limit acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, mint-flavored food, tomato, and tomato-based products, like ketchup and onions.

4. Carbonated beverages
Beverages like energy drinks, carbonated cocktails, and carbonated water contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine, both of which are massive triggers of GERD. One must always try out certain beverages before eliminating them from their diet, as carbonated beverages may not affect everybody.

5. Fried foods
Deep-fried foods contain an excessive amount of oil and fat. Fast food may also contain GERD trigger elements, such as acidic or processed foods, spices, and dairy products. These elements slow down the digestion of food, causing GERD. Fast food such as french fries and fried chicken should be eliminated.

6. Spicy foods
Ingredients like chilies and peppers get their heat from a component called capsaicin. Capsaicin slows down the process of digestion, which can seriously trigger GERD symptoms. Nevertheless, it may not affect everybody. Therefore, one must try out certain foods before determining their triggers and stop consumption if GERD symptoms occur.

7. Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the biggest and most common triggers of GERD. One must avoid caffeine in all forms, including that in coffee, coffee-flavored foods, caffeinated teas and drinks, and decaf coffee. Instead, one can opt for other healthy beverages like homemade broth, water, or caffeine-free herbal tea.

8. Chocolate
Chocolate is acidic; moreover, it triggers the release of a chemical called serotonin which causes the acid in the stomach to flow upwards into the esophagus. This triggers GERD symptoms considerably. One must limit all forms of chocolate, including candy bars containing chocolate, cakes, milkshakes, and other chocolate beverages.