Dear Dr. Fritz,
Good day. Please call me Estevan. I have been fighting against GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) for some time now. Do foods play a role here? Are there foods that can help me against GERD? I hope you can help me find them.
Thanks and God bless.
Estevan of Marilog
Dear Estevan of Marilog
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is due to acid reflux. And it’s such an awful feeling. There could be chest pain, cough, and trouble in swallowing, especially when you lie down. Sometimes some bits of food can be brought up and bring some sour liquid into your mouth.
Of course, food plays a BIG role here. Remember that what you eat may actually lead you to GERD. And among them are chocolate, onions, acidic foods, and red meat. So, be sure to stay away from them.
But, the following foods can help you in your fight against GERD
1. Chicken breasts
They can be easily digested. But, be sure to take off the skin because they are high in bad cholesterol.
2. Water
Don’t go any further. And be sure to avoid sugary drinks, soft drinks, alcohol and acidic juices.
3. Ginger
Its root can help calm your upset stomach. But, be sure to take them without the caffeine, or else, you will make your acid reflux worse.
4. Watermelon
This is a low-acid fruit, so you can take them.
5. Brown rice
Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate, which makes it longer to digest, which can make your acid reflux a lot better.
Opps, I think we are losing some space here for now, so, bear with me and let me continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15-year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.”. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Door 11, Ebro-Pelayo Building 1, Juan Luna St., Barangay 29-C, Davao City, or you e-mail them to dokatlaw@gmail.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)