Esophagitis Diet (and Other Treatment Options)

Esophagitis can be cured when identified and treated correctly, which can be done with changes in diet, use of medication and may also include the use of some home remedies to complement the treatment.

In any case, treatment must always be carried out in accordance with the guidance of a nutritionist and the recommendation of a gastroenterologist, who needs to identify the cause of esophagitis to adapt the treatment and cure this condition.

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus, which is the organ located between the throat and the stomach, and which causes a lot of discomfort due to its symptoms, which are usually a bitter taste in the mouth, heartburn, pain in the pit of the stomach, a feeling of fullness and pain or feeling of a lump in the throat. Know all the symptoms of esophagitis.

1. Diet for esophagitis

The diet for esophagitis must be guided by a nutritionist and is similar to the diet for gastroesophageal reflux, where food that reduces stomach acidity should be prioritized. Therefore, it is recommended to consume foods with a low fat content, such as skinless chicken, white fish, eggs, skimmed milk and white cheeses.

Furthermore, it is also recommended to invest in cooked or roasted preparations without sauces, and eat 2 to 3 servings of non-acidic fruits daily, such as banana, mango, coconut, pear and papaya.

Diet menu for esophagitis

The following table contains an example of a 3-day menu for esophagitis:

It is also recommended to prioritize the consumption of easily digestible carbohydrates, such as white rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes and white pasta, for example.

Furthermore, it is also important to practice physical activities regularly. If you are overweight, your doctor or nutritionist may also recommend weight loss.

During the esophagitis diet, it is also advised to avoid consuming some foods, including:

• carbonated drinks, such as soda and sparkling water;
• Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine and whiskey;
• Pepper, hot sauces and ready-made seasonings;
• Greasy food, such as red meat, mayonnaise, French fries, butter, pizza, biscuits, hot dogs and sausages;
• acidic fruits, such as orange, pineapple, lemon and passion fruit;
• Foods with caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee, black tea, mate tea and chimarrão;
• Foods rich in sugar, such as ice cream, cakes, puddings and sweets in general.

These foods should be avoided because they can disrupt digestion and increase stomach acidity, worsening the symptoms of esophagitis.

2. Medications

To treat esophagitis, the gastroenterologist usually recommends the use of medications such as omeprazole, cimetidine, aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide, for example.

In addition, the doctor may also recommend the use of antifungals or antivirals, such as fluticasone, fluconazole or acyclovir, in cases of esophagitis caused by fungi or viruses.

3. Surgery for esophagitis

Surgery for esophagitis is only recommended in cases of injuries that do not improve, bleeding or when symptoms worsen despite diet and medication.

This surgery consists of reconstructing, strengthening the valve that connects the stomach with the esophagus, thus preventing gastric contents from returning to the esophagus and causing new injuries.

4. Home remedies

Some home remedies, such as melon juice, potato juice and ginger tea, protect the stomach and esophagus and can be used as a complement to the doctor’s recommended treatment for esophagitis. Discover other home treatments for esophagitis.