Gastroesophageal reflux disease, referred to as GERD for short, is a digestive disorder where the stomach acid backflows into the esophagus. According to Healthline.com, this occurs when a valve known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened or damaged.
It is quite a common condition, affecting approximately seven million people in the United States alone. And while there is no quick cure for GERD, eating certain foods can help with its symptoms by controlling the amount of acid the stomach produces—including these 7.
1. Vegetables
Due to their low fat and sugar content, vegetables are effective at reducing the amount of stomach acid that is produced. Almost all colors and varieties are beneficial, but Dr. Axe says that “artichoke, leafy greens, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, asparagus, green beans, peas, cucumber and fennel” are especially so.
Health.com adds that celery is also a good food choice to combat acid reflux due to its high water content, as is parsley, which “has been used as a medicinal herb to settle the stomach and aid digestion.”
