Now that you have checked with your doctor and you know for sure that you have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), you are going to have to raid your pantry and find GERD foods to avoid!

There are many foods which your stomach is not strong enough to take and you should be aware of those, to avoid any future severe heartburn confrontations.

Although GERD is different for everyone, due to varying acid tolerance, most sufferers stay away from the same main foods. First, steer clear of carbonated sodas, citrus drinks, and teas. They are filled with acid which can easily flow right down your esophagus and into your stomach leading to pain from acid reflux!

If you are concerned with the vitamin C loss from your favorite citrus drinks, consider taking vitamin supplements at mealtimes and you won’t miss a thing (except the heartburn).

Soups are fine to eat as long as they are not “cream-style”, tomato, or even vegetable. Those tend to be too fatty which can also be bad for your damaged stomach. Fatty foods can often lead to an exacerbation of GERD symptoms. They definitely make it on the list of GERD foods to avoid.

Another group of foods which are known trouble-makers are the seemingly innocent flavors of spearmint, peppermint, chocolate, and chewing gum. Sure you probably think that doesn’t make any sense… you don’t even swallow gum! But what you do swallow is your saliva as you chew that gum. That constant swallowing of saliva is dangerous because of an automatic setting in your stomach which is designed to produce a set amount of acid to help break down the foods when you swallow.

When you chew gum you swallow the saliva your body is producing, but what is there to break down; nothing but the interior and lining of your stomach. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll know what you can and can not have and specifically what GERD foods to avoid.

Basically the main foods to avoid are foods that are high in fats, oils, or acidic content. Now you’re probably looking at that list and thinking, “That’s my whole pantry” but really, it’s not as bad as it sounds.

There are many foods which you can still enjoy without the harmful side-effects. Breads, grains, chicken, fish, turkey, and one percent milk are all acceptable! Plus most all fruits are low in fat; therefore fruits don’t contain eating restrictions.

So go ahead, eat another one of those apples but keep away from the GERD foods to avoid!