A GERD diet plan can play a big role in getting control of your pain and discomfort. Knowing what food to avoid is just as important as knowing what you can eat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when this ring of muscle found at the base of the esophagus doesn' t work adequately and allows stomach acid to move up into your esophagus. An effective GERD diet will contain both food you can eat and food you should do without.

Heartburn, uncomfortable feeling in the chest, coughing and a bitter taste in the mouth are some of the symptoms associated with GERD. GERD diet suggestions are available which can help you reduce acid reflux or prevent it from occurring. GERD diets can vary and be customized depending on the foods that you like and dislike.

Foods to Do without: If you follow your physician' s suggestions for a GERD diet you will most likely have to eliminate items from your diet such as fatty foods, items containing spearmint and peppermint, whole milk, chocolate, creamy soups and other foods that come in a cream substance.

Foods that should be eliminated or significantly lowered in your diet due to agitating the lower esophagus are citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, tea and all beverages that contain caffeine. Spicy foods also can cause problems for some people who have GERD. Stay away from breads that are high in fat or are made with whole milk. Do without eating sausage, bacon, meats high in fat and avoid eating chicken skin.

Breakfast Foods that are Recommended: Apple juice, bananas, jam and whole grain cereals.

Lunch Foods that are Recommended: Suggestions include lean beef, vegetable soup, fruit salad (no citrus fruit) or a green leafy salad with no tomatoes.

Dinner Foods that are Recommended: You might choose to have a green leafy salad, skinless chicken breast, brown rice, whole grain bread, and a variety of vegetables. You might want to like a low fat frozen yogurt for dessert.

If you include GERD diet suggestions from physicians and dieticians in your meals you might be able to reduce your GERD symptoms. By eating the correct foods and getting an adequate amount of exercise, you will not only be able to relieve your GERD symptoms but can actually also prevent them from recurring in the future. Establishing an effective GERD diet plan is crucial to dealing with the effects of GERD on a daily basis.