Do you feel that painful gurgle in your stomach as if you are about to throw up after every meal? Does your favorite burger cause a burning sensation in your chest? Well, if it is a yes then you are probably suffering with GERD!
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. GERD occurs when stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat, which is known as heartburn.
GERD can also cause other symptoms such as regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and coughing. The disease can be caused by several factors, including obesity, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, smoking, and certain medications. However, one of the most common causes of the disease is your high-fat and acidic diet. If you are wondering how? Keep reading.
Diet and GERD
Diet plays a crucial role in the development and management of GERD. Certain foods can increase the risk of developing GERD or exacerbate its symptoms. These foods include:
- Fatty or fried foods
- Spicy foods
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Tomato-based foods and sauces
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated and carbonated beverages
- Alcohol
These foods actually can slow down digestion and increase pressure in the stomach, which can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Also, when you consume a diet that is high in acid and spice content, it is likely to affect the lining of the stomach and its ability to hold food within. Ultimately, the condition worsens and GERD is likely to develop.
However, the good news is that fixing your diet can help you cater the situation well. There are foods that can help alleviate GERD symptoms, including;
- Lean meats and fish
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Non-citrus fruits
- Low-fat dairy products
These food items are generally light on stomach and easy to digest and are often recommended for GERD patients.
If you are suffering with GERD and are evaluating your dietary options, you’ve landed the right page! We have assessed a number of food items with their potential to aggravate or manage GERD and this article is another addition to the chain!
In this article, we will specifically explore whether asparagus can be consumed by people with GERD or not. So, let’s begin.
Asparagus and GERD
Asparagus is a green, leafy vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Asparagus contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. However, the sad part is that asparagus can contribute to GERD symptoms due to its high acidity level.
Asparagus is considered a high-acid food, which means that it can irritate the esophagus and stomach. Thus, it is likely to exacerbate GERD symptoms.
While there is no specific research on the effects of asparagus on GERD symptoms, it is generally advisable to avoid or limit the consumption of high-acid foods if you have GERD. But if you still want to somehow include it in your diet, here are some exclusive dietary recommendations.
Dietary Recommendations
While asparagus can contribute to GERD symptoms, it does not mean that you have to eliminate it from your diet altogether.
Instead, you can consume asparagus in moderation and pair it with GERD-friendly foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, and low-acid vegetables.
Here are some tips to help you incorporate asparagus into your GERD-friendly diet;
- Pair asparagus with lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, or fish
- Avoid using high-fat cooking methods such as frying or sautéing, which can exacerbate GERD symptoms
- Use GERD-friendly seasonings such as herbs, spices, and vinegar instead of high-acid ingredients such as citrus juices or tomatoes
- Cook asparagus by steaming, boiling, or roasting to reduce its acidity level
To make sure that the vegetable doesn’t hamper your stomach health, we recommend you start with a small intake and look for how it affects you. You can increase the amount but not too much. Keep an eye on how you feel after consuming it and in any inconvenience, avoid it for sure.
Health Benefits of Asparagus
The acidic content isn’t the only thing about asparagus. This super vegetable is very nutritious and offers several health benefits as well. For example, asparagus is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, folate, and potassium. It also contains compounds such as asparagine, saponins, and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Some of the prominent benefits of asparagus include;
- High fiber content
Asparagus is high in fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
- Anti-inflammatory potential
Asparagus contains several anti-inflammatory compounds, such as quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Supports healthy weight loss
Asparagus is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to a weight loss diet. It also contains asparagine, an amino acid that helps the body get rid of excess fluids and reduce bloating.
- Good for heart health
Asparagus contains compounds that help lower blood pressure and improve circulation, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
- May have anti-cancer properties
Some studies suggest that asparagus may have anti-cancer properties due to its high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Final say
Overall, asparagus is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that offers several health benefits. However, people with GERD should be cautious about consuming asparagus and other high-acid foods and should consult their doctor or a registered dietitian for dietary recommendations.
