A study depicted that most patients suffering from GERD can recognize at least one food triggering their symptoms. In the short term, an initial approach based on abstention from identified food may be beneficial.

After ingesting specific foods, GERD patients often report symptoms. Thus, in a primary care setting, a prospective study was conducted between March and October 2019 to identify the presence of foods that can elicit GERD symptoms. It was also assessed if a sequential diet modification/specific food elimination diet could offer symptomatic improvement.

Based on the GERD-Q questionnaire (positive when > 8), the quantification of reflux symptoms and diagnosis of GERD was carried out. At the time of data collection, the study participants were asked about the details of ailments related to their symptoms. Furthermore, a precompiled list of additional foods was given to them.

Then, the enrolled subjects were asked to eliminate the identified foods and visit for follow-up after two weeks. At the follow-up visit the GERD-Q questionnaire and clinical data collection were repeated.

The study recruited 100 GERD (mean GERD-Q score 11.6) patients (54 females, mean age 48.7 years). Notably, 85 patients reported at least one triggering food (mostly spicy foods, chocolate, pizza, tomato, and fried foods) they believe to cause their typical reflux symptoms, as depicted in the following table:

At the follow-up visit, GERD diagnosis was confirmed in only 55 participants compared to 100 participants at baseline. The mean GERD-Q score declined to about 8.9. The frequency of patients reporting heartburn and regurgitation declined, as shown in the following table and figure:

The heartburn and regurgitation score decreased, as shown in the following table and figure:

SD: Standard deviation

Almost half of the GERD patients agreed to continue with only dietary recommendations. Thus, identifying and eradicating or eliminating the dietary triggers is a beneficial approach to manage symptoms of GERD.