Top Foods to Avoid If You Have GERD (And Why They Matter)

Living with GERD means more than just managing discomfort, it means making daily food choices that support your digestive health. If you’ve been struggling with acid reflux, knowing the foods to avoid with GERD can make all the difference in your quality of life.

Spicy foods like hot sauce, peppers, and even some seasonings can trigger reflux episodes by irritating the esophagus. While everyone has different triggers, these spicy choices are common culprits. Fatty foods, think fried chicken, greasy burgers, and full-fat dairy, also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to creep back up into the throat.

Another big offender? Caffeine. Coffee, energy drinks, and certain sodas might feel like a daily necessity, but for GERD sufferers, they often come with unpleasant consequences. Chocolate, though delicious, is a double trigger due to both caffeine and fat content. It’s worth cutting back if you're experiencing flare-ups.

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, along with tomato-based sauces, are acidic and can make symptoms worse. Even healthy meals can become troublesome when they contain high amounts of garlic or onions, two ingredients that can increase acid production.

If you’re ready to take control of your symptoms, working with a GI provider is the first step. At Digestive Disease Specialists, we help patients create personalized treatment plans and provide long-term relief options that go beyond guesswork.

Avoiding the wrong foods is key, but having the right support makes the journey easier.