The importance of diet

Everyone needs a healthy balanced diet but there are certain conditions, which make choosing what you eat even more important. In reflux disease it may be just as important when you eat and how you eat.

A healthy diet has the right proportions of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. In addition there should be a good content of fibre, vitamins and minerals and water.

This can largely be achieved by eating grains and pulses, fruit and vegetables, vegetable oils and juices. The general recommendation is to eat at least five portions of vegetables or fruits per day. This is easy to achieve. For example, you could have an apple in the morning, a banana after lunch, and one or two tablespoons of vegetables at both lunch and dinner.

Protein is readily available in meat and fish as well as peas, beans, grains, nuts and seeds. Meat is not essential to your diet but it is rich in protein and iron. Choosing lean meat or eating smaller portions will help reduce your intake of saturated fat. Fish is also a useful alternative that you could consider having at least once per week. Eggs and dairy products are nutrient rich but have the disadvantage that they also contain saturated fat. Low fat dairy products are available from supermarkets.

Fifty years ago, people were given all sorts of diets in an attempt to cure peptic ulcers. Today, we know that diet has little effect on ulcer healing. In fact, there are no specific diets for most upper digestive disorders. However, symptoms of dyspepsia, particularly reflux, may be aggravated by certain foods (see later), and some people may need a fat-reduced diet or one that helps them to control their weight. Aim for a steady weight loss (about one pound per week) rather than a rapid change of bodyweight.

The chart below should give you an idea of the weight you ought to aim to maintain. Plot your height against your weight. If the point lies within the yellow zone you are in the ideal range. If you are outside the zone, you should consider the advice stated alongside the chart. The ideal weight for your height is slightly higher for men than women. Those who have a particularly muscular build may also have a slightly higher ideal weight. If you are concerned about your weight contact your GP or practice nurse for professional advice.

It may be that how and when you eat is most important. Instead of eating large main meals, people with reflux may find it helpful to eat little and often. Those who have night-time problems should not have their main meal at night and should avoid eating for two to three hours before going to bed. Avoiding coffee and alcohol, chocolate and fatty foods may also be helpful, especially for those who consume them to excess. Some people find spicy food a problem, but there is no evidence to link spicy food with reflux disease. If avoiding certain foods and drinks helps that’s fine, but make sure you continue to eat a varied balanced diet.