Raw food diets have gotten a lot of attention in recent years, especially as so many public figures lose weight and overcome chronic heart conditions while following the strict whole-foods diet. However, heartburn is not actually associated with heart health—it is a gastrointestinal concern associated with acid reflux. So, does the raw food diet have a stem to bloom from in the treatment of acid reflux? Not really.
There are a few things to think about before shutting down your oven for good.
One of the leading culprits for acid reflux is highly acidic foods. This includes a number of otherwise healthy produce items, including:
- Grapefruits
- Oranges
- Tomatoes
Other natural foods that are less-acidic, but are still common triggers for GERD include:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Peppers
- Avocadoes
Many people who do not suffer from GERD would consider these produce items to be harmless, but those who experience regular heartburn need to think twice before reaching for that spicy guacamole, even if it is all natural. The high fat content in avocadoes and the hot spices in most peppers make these produce option’s a bad choice for the average GERD patient.
What about a vegetarian diet? Will that help GERD?
Arbitrarily limiting your diet more than is necessary to overcome GERD may be more trouble than it is worth, especially after undergoing reflux surgery in Macon. There are a number of meats and animal by-products that are actually known to help relieve heartburn.
- Poultry is a leading staple of a gastric reflux diet. As long as you stay away from the deep fryer, chicken and turkey can be boiled, sautéed, baked or grilled and be a healthy part of a diet for GERD.
- Seafood is another healthy option for dining with GERD. While it is best to stay away from farm-raised wild fish, shrimp, lobster and other types of shellfish are all typically unproblematic for acid reflux patients.
The raw diet is so popular because it involves eating only unprocessed, unrefined, uncooked foods. This essentially limits the entire diet to fruits and vegetables, which will ensure that you are eating a lot of nutrients and is generally recognized as healthier than eating a lot of high-fat, fried foods. However, when you are struggling with acid reflux the raw diet can be misleading. Instead of cutting out foods that are good for GERD like chicken and fish, focus on decreasing the amount of acid that you are eating. For dietary advice that is tailored to your specific needs make sure you talk with Dr. Bagnato.
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