Low Simple Carbohydrate Diet Improves GERD Symptoms and Acid Exposure

In the first randomized controlled trial examining how both the type and amount of carbohydrates affect GERD, 98 veterans with symptomatic GERD were assigned to one of four diets varying in total and simple carbohydrate content. Over nine weeks, those on a high total/low simple carbohydrate diet saw a significant reduction in esophageal acid exposure time and reflux episodes compared to the high total/high simple group. Symptom scores improved across all modified diets. Reducing simple sugars by about 62 g/day appears to be a promising, practical dietary strategy for managing GERD.

References: https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2022/10000/the_effects_of_modifying_amount_and_type_of.24.aspx