How a Registered Dietitian Can Help You With GERD [Acid Reflux]

What is GERD and what can cause GERD?

GERD [Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease] better known as acid reflux, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It occurs when the valve between the stomach and esophagus is not working properly. If left untreated, stomach acid can cause discomfort from ongoing symptoms and may also cause damage to your esophagus.

How Does GERD Present in the Body?

Symptoms of reflux can be different for everyone. Some people experience mild symptoms while others have symptoms that are frequent and more severe. The most common symptom is burning in the chest when the stomach acid flows into the esophagus. This is often called “heartburn”.

Some other symptoms of GERD include:

Burning feeling in your chest and or throat (heartburn)
Regurgitation of fluid into the mouth or throat
Dental issues caused from acid flowing back into the mouth
Difficulty or painful swallowing, feeling of food stuck in the throat or a lump in the throat
Chest pain not associated with heart disease
Ongoing coughing
Hoarse voice/loss of voice from reflux
Asthma
Nausea and/or vomiting

Risk Factors Associated with GERD

Some people may be more at risk for GERD due to various lifestyle and medical factors. If you have one of the following medical conditions, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing symptoms of reflux:

Pregnancy
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Presence of hiatus hernia

Is chronic acid reflux (GERD) dangerous or life-threatening?

Serious health complications can develop if chronic acid reflux is not managed appropriately, however having the condition is neither dangerous nor life-threatening. Living with long-term untreated GERD can lead to conditions like esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, and the development of strictures (scared and damaged lining of the esophagus) impacting the ability for food and liquids to reach the stomach.

Managing your Diagnosis

How to Treat GERD

Your doctor may recommend medications that affect your stomach acid and can help with the relief of GERD symptoms. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. There are also lifestyle recommendations that may help with the management of your symptoms such as:

Medication (PPIs prescribed by GP)
Elevating the head of your bed by 20cm if you have symptoms of reflux at night
Avoid lying down after you eat·
Try not to eating 2-3 hours before you go to bed
Avoid tight fitting clothes that may put pressure on your waist
Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol
Try eating smaller meals (4-5 meals) during the day instead of 3 larger meals
Try increasing your physical activity
Find ways to manage your stress levels
Reduce intake of gas producing foods
Resolving constipation (pressure inside your intestines from gas or constipation) can worsen symptoms of reflux. A dietitian can help with dietary interventions to resolve constipation.

What foods should I avoid if I have GERD (chronic acid reflux)?

Dietary changes may help with the management of GERD symptoms, but this can be different for everyone. There are certain types of foods that can trigger or worsen symptoms. There is no specific “GERD diet”. A dietitian can help by creating a personalized plan for appropriate diet and lifestyle changes based on what works best for you.

You may want to avoid the following foods as they are the most common foods that contribute to the symptoms of reflux:

High fat foods such as fried foods, baked goods (donuts, cookies, cakes), nuts/seeds, cheese and avocados
Foods that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, dark soft drinks and chocolate
Spicy foods
Peppermint and spearmint
Citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, oranges, juices
Onions and garlic
Tomatoes and tomato products
Carbonated and high sugar drinks such as juice, soft drinks

Keeping a food diary can help you better understand what foods may be causing your symptoms. You can record what you eat and when you experience symptoms of reflux. This may help you identify which foods are contributing to your reflux. The following nutritional changes may help to decrease the symptoms of GERD:

Try eating low fat dairy products (yogurt, milk, cheese) instead of higher fat dairy products
Choose lean meats and/or trim the fat and skin from your meat products
Try adding some plant based protein to your diet (lentils, beans, peas)
Try snacking on fruits and vegetables
Use a small amount of plant-based fat when required for cooking

When Should You Consider Meeting With A Registered Dietitian?

Dietary changes may help decrease the symptoms of chronic reflux. If you are interested in making dietary changes to see if they can help with the management of your condition, it may be time for you to speak with a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians can help you navigate the world of nutrition and provide you with individualized support and recommendations. They will work with you to help find the nutritional plan or pattern of eating that works best for you and your lifestyle.

What Our Dietitians Can Do For You

During your initial appointment, you will receive an 80-90 minute session with a knowledgeable and compassionate Registered Dietitian that will help you feel supported and educated. Your dietitian will:

Clear up the confusion surrounding what, when and how much to eat to help you manage the symptoms of reflux.
Assist you with meal planning to help you optimally manage your symptoms.
Advocate and/or communicate with your primary healthcare Team, doctor or specialist
Explain the basics of acid reflux/ GERD, myth bust and provide you nutrition recommendations.
Help you manage emotions related to making the changes required to improve your health and quality of life.
Empower you to manage your health by understanding how to grocery shop, read nutrition labels, and prepare meals that you enjoy.
Provide you with cooking tips, meal prep guidance, recipe modifications, and snack ideas.

Benefits of Working with a Dietitian at A Little Nutrition

We want you to feel better about how you nourish your body, and help you learn how to incorporate foods that can improve your symptoms of GERD and overall well-being. A Little Nutrition is a safe place to receive non-judgemental health advice and guidance.

Our Registered Dietitians provide a weight inclusive approach to health care and will support you on your nutritional journey. When you work with one of our team members, you can consider them your personal food encyclopedia and get expert advice on your nutrition questions. Your dietitian will get to know you, and how you eat, your food preferences, intolerances, and provide you with a personalized plan of action to help improve your symptoms.

Your dietitian also understands that eating and food may be an emotional experience for you, and will help you assess your relationship with food. If you have a poor relationship with food, your dietitian can help guide you through the process of making peace with food and resolving emotional eating.

No matter where you are at in your health journey, your dietitian will be able to help you with the motivation, support and accountability to help reach your goals.

Nutritional Services Overview

How many visits are recommended to see changes in my health?

Short answer: Most of our clients report seeing markable changes in their eating and health after 3 to 5 appointments spaced out over 3 to 6 months. However, some clients require appointments every 2 weeks until they feel comfortable with their new pattern of eating. Some clients only need 1 or 2 appointments. Your dietitian will give you a recommended treatment plan at your initial appointment.

Long answer: It really depends on the number of health and lifestyle concerns that need to be addressed. Additional skills and education around meal planning, meal preparation and grocery shopping may require extra time in order to implement and develop strong habits. In addition, there may be emotional underpinnings that are discovered during your meeting with the Registered Dietitian such as dieting trauma, emotional and stress eating, and poor body image and these may need to be worked through as well. We also have counsellors and therapists who can help you work through the everyday challenges of stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship struggles. Psychotherapy is a tool that creates success when it is combined with health behaviour changes.

Are my appointments covered by Manitoba Health or Extended Medical Health Insurance?

Manitoba health does not cover private Registered Dietitian services. However, if you have extended medical insurance through your employer, you may have coverage for Registered Dietitian and Therapist services. If you are uncertain about your coverage, you can call our office 1-204-515-7466 and we can look into it for you. In addition, if your plan allows for direct billing, we would be happy to directly bill your appointment and keep the out-of-pocket expense as low as possible.

How much do appointments cost?

Initial appointments are 80-90 minutes in length and cost $190
Follow-up appointments are 50-60 minutes in length and cost $135

How do I book an appointment with a Registered Dietitian?

To book an appointment with one of our Registered Dietitians or therapists you can:
Phone: 204-515-7466
Email: admin@alittlenutrition.com
Book online: https://alittlenutrition.janeapp.com/