Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a digestive problem that occurs when the acidic juices in the stomach or foods back up into the esophagus. This is a common disorder that affects infants and adults. Here are some foods that cause GERD and thus, one should avoid them.

Fatty foods
Foods that are high in fat content can cause heartburn. These don’t just include junk food but also foods like nuts and cheese. These foods can sometimes relax the sphincter in the esophagus that divides the esophagus from the stomach. If that happens, the acid can flow into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.

Mint
In a study, it was found that high doses of spearmint can lead to acid reflux. It can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause reflux. If one consumes mint regularly in the form of tea as well, it can cause frequent heartburns. If one feels that mint can cause heartburn, they must exclude it from their diet.

Citrus juices
Juices are high in citrus content. Orange and grapefruit juice may cause GERD. In a study conducted, almost 73% reported heartburn after drinking these juices. Unfortunately, doctors haven’t been able to find a clear reason as to why juices cause heartburn.

Chocolate
People who love chocolate and get heartburns, this may be bad news. Chocolate is considered to be a common trigger for acid reflux. It works in the same way as fatty foods wherein it relaxes the sphincter allowing stomach acids to escape into the esophagus.

Spicy foods
These are one of the main causes of heartburns. Due to a compound called capsaicin, spicy foods can slow down the digestion process. This results in the food sitting in the stomach for a longer period, which may lead to heartburn. They also irritate the esophagus and worsen any heartburn-related symptoms one may experience. If one is at risk of frequent heartburns, they must avoid such food items.

Salt
Salt is an important part of any food item. Although doctors are not clear on how salt causes heartburn, they assume that excess consumption of salt maybe because people are eating fried or junk food, as these are known for their high salt content. To avoid heartburn/GERD, one must cut down their salt intake.

Onions
Eating raw onions can trigger heartburn. Just like a few aforementioned food items, even raw onions relax the sphincter and let the acids reach the esophagus. Onions also contain something known as fermentable fiber, which can cause belching. These fibers can cause digestive problems and heartburn. Try to avoid raw onions or cook them before they can be eaten.

These are just some of the foods that cause GERD and should be avoided if possible. Excluding them completely may be difficult but consumption in moderation is important.