What dietary advice can help manage Tina's GERD symptoms?

Avoiding trigger foods and eating smaller meals is essential in managing GERD symptoms. Trigger foods can vary from person to person but commonly include spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty meals, which can exacerbate acid reflux. Smaller meal sizes can help reduce the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, minimizing the chance of acid being pushed back into the esophagus. This strategy is particularly effective because it limits the volume of food in the stomach, reducing the likelihood of reflux occurring after meals.

In contrast, increasing fat intake can lead to slower digestion and may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which could worsen GERD symptoms. Drinking carbonated beverages can increase stomach pressure due to gas, possibly worsening reflux. Eating larger meals at night can also contribute to increased symptoms, as lying down after consuming a big meal can make it easier for acid to travel back into the esophagus. Thus, the advice of avoiding trigger foods and consuming smaller, more frequent meals aligns with best practices for managing GERD symptoms effectively.