In our previous blog, we introduced a patient named Elena as a case study for GERD. Her case and GERD will be a big topic in the Digestive Disease Consultants Orlando Blog over the next few weeks.
Now we face an upcoming holiday, Father’s Day. Therefore, we interrupt the usual flow of diagnosis and treatment case study outline, to pay a short tribute to Fathers everywhere. We especially dedicate it to the fathers and father figures of families here in Orlando.
Happy Father’s Day Wishes
Trigger Foods Hurt Festivities and Cause Pain.
In tribute, we know a “father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” We do not want to leave out those uncles, brothers, step-dads or fine friends that we adopt as aforementioned “father figures.” They inspire our lives and fill our hearts. And indeed, we know the anonymous saying, “anyone can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad.”
Father’s Day has become the holiday to celebrate the men of America. It is famous for family gatherings, picnics in the park and beach get-togethers.
Gifts and Glory for Dad! What Do Dads Really Want for Their Day?
In an informal poll of our offices, we discovered that favorite meals rank in the top three most appreciated Father’s Day Gifts. Fathers we casually interviewed did not even care if the dinner was at home, outdoors or at a favorite restaurant. By the way, in case you want to know, the first choice of gifts was “spending time with loved ones.” (Last minute shopper alert: “Soap on a rope did not rank in the top ten chosen gifts. Actually, neckties did not even make the top twenty.)
Caution: Do not Invite GERD–Or Trigger Foods– to Your Father’s Festivity!
At DDC Orlando, we think it would be a shame to allow an attack of GERD to ruin your Father’s Day celebration. This is true whether you are the guest of honor or a loved one. You see, some of the favorite foods of fathers we polled made another list: a little list of common GERD trigger foods. Remember the “R” in GERD stands for Reflux. Elena, our case study in our previous blog, described this unwelcome sensation as hot lava that came up her throat and burned like fire.
The term, Trigger foods are foods that give you problems. Although some types of GERD are not attached to a food, we want you to understand the common food triggers that cause patients problems. They might not be your triggers. A trigger is personalized and sometimes very unique and personal. A food might trigger a violent reaction in one patient with GERD. Yet the same trigger might not even phase you. How can you figure out your triggers?
Tracing Triggers: Homework for GERD Patients
One of the best ways to discover your triggers is to write a food diary. It is simply a journal of what you eat and when you eat it. Likewise, note any heartburn, reflux or other symptoms you experienced shortly after eating it.
Trigger Foods: Choose to avoid them!
1. You can keep your food journal with electronic style! Yes, there are several APPs for that!
2. Alternatively you can go “old school,” and keep your food facts in a small notebook.
3. Once you know what foods are associated with your most severe symptoms, you know what foods to avoid.
Because triggers are personalized, DDC Orlando we cannot give you a perfect, step by step GERD diet plan, but we can give you the short list of foods that are the most common triggers. We hope your Father’s Day menu does not include many of these foods.
Spoiler Alert: There are quite a few classic American comfort foods on this list. But remember, trigger foods are individualized. Every case is different.
The DDC Orlando Short List Of Common GERD Food Triggers:
Fatty Foods Can Be A Problem.
Trigger 1. Fried, Fatty and Unfit for the Feast! Basically any fried or fatty food can trigger GERD. When you eat these foods, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (or LES) just gets lazy and relaxed. When it does that, the stomach acid backs up, and you have symptoms like acid reflux.
Common offenders are often on the Lunch Special. They could include french fries and onion rings or fast food Dollar menus. Potato chips are no better.
Trigger 2. Full-fat Dairy products: Think before you eat butter, cheese or whole milk. And, we’re sorry but ice cream goes on the list of GERD triggers also
Trigger Foods: Know them before you go to your Father’s Day picnic!
Trigger 3. Meat with Fat: Fried meat can cause GERD problems. Whether the fatty meat is pork, beef, or lamb, it can make you miserable. Likewise, we warn you to watch out for that breakfast bacon fat.
Caution On Problem Accessories.
Trigger 4. Beware of the Accessories to the main course: Sauces can inflict pain. Beware of gravy, nice French cream sauce and smooth salad dressing.
Trigger 5. Citrus fruits might not be your friends. Trade in those grapefruit and oranges for pears and bananas. Limit Limes and ration that orange juice. Citrus fruits are acidic.
Trigger 6. Tomatoes or tomato sauces can also be triggers. Yes, that includes the chili! In fact spicy foods flavored with onions and garlic can also cause that hot lava in the throat.
Sweets Can Offer Special Problems.
Trigger 7. Chocolate is full of methylxanthine, which causes that LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) to become relaxed as if it is drugged. Then, heartburn and acid reflux torment you as a result.
If the above foods are your favorites, we are not going to ask you to avoid them, although that might be the best option. We are going to suggest that if you must eat them, please nibble sparingly. Eventually, we will tell you about some tasty foods that could become new favorites. These are foods that don’t hurt. Then you won’t miss the ones that do!
At your upcoming Father’s Day Get-Together, we are sure your family can help you avoid this list of foods in order to avoid GERD.
Not All Triggers Are Food:
Health, Happiness and Family: The True Gifts of Father’s Day.
Sometimes the foods you eat are not guilty. GERD can be caused by something that you do, such as overeating. Behavior or “Lifestyle” triggers can help you control this painful condition. So, for example, could you enjoy two small Father’s Day feasts instead of one gigantic one?
And might we suggest a little Father’s Day walk instead of snoozing on the couch after dinner? DDC Orlando wants you to have a happy and healthy Father’s Day!
In conclusion, if you cannot avoid your trigger foods during the holiday, then save this list and enjoy these tips during the week beginning on Monday!