Gastric reflux diet

The aim of the diet for Gastric Reflux and Hiatus Hernia is to
improve gastric emptying, to minimise acid production in the
stomach, to avoid foods which may irritate a damaged oesophagus, to
avoid constipation and to help control weight where
necessary.
 

1. FIBRE AND FLUID to help normalise bowel function and avoid
   constipation. Eat plenty of bran cereals, wholemeal and wholegrain
   breads, a wide variety of beans and peas, non-citrus fruit and
   vegetables. Drink 6-8 glasses of water, preferably BETWEEN meals
   and snacks to flush the digestive system and avoid over filling the
   stomach at meal times.

DIET SHOULD BE ADEQUATE IN

The following foods which are not irritating and have good
nutritional value:

1. Lean meats, chicken, fish and turkey with skin removed.
2. Low fat milk and yoghurt (unflavoured).
3. Non-citrus fruit: apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches and
   pears. 
4. Wholemeal or wholegrain bread, rice and cereals. 
5. Beverages: non-citrus fruit juice, non-mint herbal teas,
   decaffeinated tea or coffee, low-fat soups and water.

DIET SHOULD BE LOW IN

The following foods which aggravate reflux:

1. FATS of any type. Fats slow down digestion and hold food in the
   stomach for longer. Avoid fried foods, snack foods, take-away foods
   generally, added fats and oils, excess cheese, chocolate, pies,
   pastries, full cream dairy foods.
2. ACIDIC foods which may cause a burning sensation as they pass
   over an inflamed oesophagus such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons,
   vinegar, peppermint, salad dressings, mayonnaise, curries,
   tomatoes. 
3. MILK. Milk may give some temporary relief as it coats the
   lining of the oesophagus but it tends to STIMULATE acid production
   in the stomach due to its fat and protein content.
4. CAFFEINE in coffee, cola drinks, chocolate and tea; alcohol
   (all types), also avoid smoking.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

Two glasses water on rising.

BREAKFAST

1. 1/2-1 cup rolled oats porridge with low fat milk or 1/2 cup
   bran cereal with low fat milk or 1-2 slices wholemeal toast with
   one egg – boiled, scrambled, poached.
2. 1 cup decaffeinated or herbal tea or coffee, and water between
   meals.

MORNING TEA

1. One piece fresh non-citrus fruit.
2. 2-4 rice cakes or cracker/biscuits with berry jam.

LUNCH

1. 2-4 slices wholemeal bread or 1-2 wholemeal bread rolls or
   bagels or 1-1 and half cups steamed rice.
2. 1-2 slices lean cold meat or 1/4 cup chicken (no skin) or
   salmon, tuna, sardines, or 1-2 thin slices low-fat cheese.
3. Salad or steamed vegetables as desired. Decaffeinated or
   herbal tea or coffee and water between meals.

AFTERNOON TEA

1. One tub of low-fat yoghurt.
2. 1-2 bran crumpets with berry jam or 1-2 slices wholemeal fruit
   loaf.

DINNER

1. 100-150g lean red meat, chicken flesh, turkey or vegetarian
   meat substitute or 150-200g fish – grilled, baked, poached or 1-2
   egg omelette with grated low fat cheese and low fat, non-irritating
   flavourings.
2. One to two medium steamed potatoes mashed with low fat milk or
   1/2-1 cup steamed rice or pasta.
3. Plenty of lightly cooked vegetables. Avoid eating for 3
   hours before retiring.

REMEMBER

If further help is needed in improving digestion, see the
Digestive Disorders Diet.

1. Eat little and often.
2. Drink fluids BETWEEN meals and snacks.
3. Avoid fatty foods and foods known to be irritating.
4. Eat plenty of high fibre foods and drink 6-8 glasses water
   daily.
5. Control weight with moderate serves of food and daily
   exercise.
6. Raise the head of the bed 6-8 inches to minimise acid exposure
   during sleep.

NOTES

It is best to eat little and more often through the day and
avoid drinking with meals.