GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a digestive disorder that causes the contents of your stomach to move back into your esophagus.1
If you are familiar with acid reflux, another way to understand GERD is that it is a more severe and recurring form of acid reflux.
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. With acid reflux, the heartburn may be brought on by certain foods or beverages. With GERD, the triggers are similar, but you may experience heartburn 2 or more times a week!2
Some GERD triggers include:
- Chocolate
- Peppermint
- Fried or fatty foods (this includes cheese and avocado)
- Coffee
- Alcoholic beverages
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Tomato products
- Peppers
According to the Mayo clinic, additional symptoms, aside from heartburn, include “regurgitation of food or sour liquid [vomiting], difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain — especially while lying down at night.”2