Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus, the muscular tube carrying food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. This condition can cause discomfort, including difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and acid reflux. Managing esophagitis often involves careful attention to diet, as certain foods can worsen irritation while others promote healing and reduce symptoms.
Foods to Prioritize
Appropriate foods can soothe the inflamed esophageal lining and reduce discomfort. Low-acid, easily digestible options are generally well-tolerated. Non-citrus fruits, such as bananas, melons, apples, and ripe pears, are often recommended because they are less likely to trigger reflux symptoms compared to more acidic varieties. Cooked apples, especially without the skin, also provide a gentle option.
Lean proteins are low in fat and typically do not exacerbate symptoms. Good choices include skinless poultry like chicken and turkey, fish, tofu, and egg whites. Prepare these by baking, broiling, or grilling. Healthy fats, consumed in moderation, can also be included; examples are avocado and olive oil.
Well-cooked vegetables are also important. Options like green beans, carrots, potatoes (without skins), sweet potatoes, and leafy greens such as spinach are low in fat and can help reduce stomach acid. Whole grains that are non-acidic and high in fiber, such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain breads, can absorb stomach acid and contribute to healthy digestion. Low-fat dairy products like milk and plain, non-acidic yogurt, along with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk or soy milk, are generally well-tolerated.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Certain foods and beverages irritate the esophagus or increase acid production, worsening esophagitis symptoms. Highly acidic foods, including citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, as well as tomatoes and tomato-based products like ketchup and salsa, can directly irritate the esophageal lining. Vinegar, another acidic condiment, should also be limited.
Spicy foods, which often contain capsaicin, can slow stomach emptying and irritate the esophagus, potentially increasing acid reflux symptoms. Examples include chili, hot peppers, garlic, and onions. Fatty and fried foods, such as french fries, high-fat dairy products, and processed meats, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. These foods also delay stomach emptying, which can further contribute to reflux.
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks, can trigger acid reflux by relaxing the LES and stimulating gastric acid secretion. Alcoholic beverages can also directly damage the esophageal lining and cause the LES to relax, increasing the risk of acid moving into the esophagus. Mint, including peppermint and spearmint, and chocolate are known to relax the LES, which can worsen acid reflux. Carbonated beverages may exacerbate esophagitis symptoms due to their acidity and the gas they contain, which can increase pressure in the stomach. Raw or hard-to-digest foods, such as fibrous raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, and tough meats, can be painful or difficult to swallow when the esophagus is inflamed.
Beneficial Eating Practices
Beyond specific food choices, eating habits significantly impact esophagitis management. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, rather than three large ones, helps reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This prevents the stomach from becoming overly full, lessening the likelihood of acid reflux.
Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly aids digestion and makes swallowing easier, minimizing irritation to the esophagus. Taking small bites and sipping water between bites facilitates food passage. Avoid eating close to bedtime; allowing at least two to three hours between the last meal and lying down gives the stomach time to empty.
Staying upright for at least 45 to 60 minutes, or ideally two to three hours, after eating helps gravity keep stomach contents in place, reducing the chance of reflux. Drink non-acidic fluids like water between meals, rather than with them, to rinse the esophagus and prevent stomach distension. Manage portion sizes, as overfilling the stomach can increase pressure on the esophagus.