Plant-Based Recipes to Prevent GERD and Heartburn (2024)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more severe form of acid reflux, a common stomach condition that causes the contents of your stomach to resurge into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, acid regurgitation, bloating, and belching, while more severe traits can include chronic coughing, laryngitis, and even dental erosions from acid exposure. A healthy, alkaline diet is usually the best way to prevent it and foods that should be avoided include spicy foods, greasy, fatty foods, and caffeinated, carbonated, or alcoholic beverages.

It’s also important to maintain a healthy microbiota because it will help the inflammation go down and heartburn symptoms decrease. Fortunately, certain plant-based foods can help manage GERD and prevent acid reflux and heartburn. Here are 15 recipes from our Food Monster App to help you out!

Note: While many who suffer from acid reflux and acid reflux-related conditions experience similar symptoms, the triggers or particular food sensitivities vary depending on the person and the cause of the condition. Therefore, please use these recipes as inspirational guidelines and be prepared to substitute foods per your personal symptomatic needs.

1. Forbidden Black Rice and Tahini Buddha Bowl

Source: Forbidden Black Rice and Tahini Buddha Bowl

Shanna Laychuk‘s colorful Buddha Bowl is a great way to introduce more veggies into your diet. While there are many different components –artichokes, rice, broccoli, bok choy — they can all be cooked simultaneously, making this an excellent nutrient-dense choice for lunch that provides protein, healthy fats, and a hearty grain, without taking forever to cook. Drizzle these bowls with tahini to add a nutty flavor.

2. Immunity-Boosting Miso Soup

Source: Immunity-Boosting Miso Soup

Serve this Immunity-Boosting Miso Soupby Crissy Cavanaugh with steamed short-grain brown rice that has been cooked with a little bit of coconut oil for added immune Support. Sprinkle with gomasio and pink sea salt for extra yumminess! This soup can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is kid-friendly!

3. Simple Fermented Vegetables

Source: Simple Fermented Vegetables

The easiest way to start fermenting is by using brine and cutting up vegetables. Feel free to add the seasoning of your choice. Daniela Modesto prefers dill and garlic. Here are 3 basic Simple Fermented Vegetable recipes from her to get you started with fermenting.

4. Pear and Parsley Smoothie

Source: Pear and Parsley Smoothie

When one has committed to consuming a green smoothie (or two) each day, one also has to commit to trying different ingredients so as not to get bored of the usual smoothie ingredient suspects (not that there is anything wrong with my good friends, kale and oranges). Annie Oliverio‘s Pear and Parsley Smoothie combination is great because it’s not too sweet, but very refreshing.

5. Asparagus Risotto With Lemongrass and Thai Basil

Source: Asparagus Risotto With Lemongrass and Thai Basil

This creamy Asparagus Risotto by Adam Merrin and Ryan Alvarez highlights this healthy winter vegetable in the most flavorful way possible: sautéed asparagus tips are cooked separately until golden and crispy while the remainder is sliced and cooked gently with Thai basil, fresh mint leaves, loads of shallots and seasoned with chopped garlic and spicy serrano pepper for heat. The risotto is simmered with a fragrant homemade broth filled with fresh lemongrass, ginger, crushed garlic, and soy sauce.

6. Rhubarb and Ginger Shrub Drinking Vinegar

Source: Rhubarb and Ginger Shrub Drinking Vinegar

Many of you may have heard of shrubs popping up at trendy bars and co*cktail lounges and wondered, ‘What the heck is a shrub?’ A shrub is a drinking vinegar; it’s an age-old method of preserving your fruits and vegetables. This particular shrub uses the tangy sourness of rhubarb and the perfumed spice of ginger to create a shrub that has hints of honey, and a slight tang of vinegar, and is incredibly drinkable. You can enjoy it as is or cut it with a bit of soda water or tap water. Try this Rhubarb and Ginger Shrub Drinking Vinegar by Rebecca Fallihee.

7. Kale, Sweet Potato, and Tempeh Breakfast Hash

Source: Kale, Sweet Potato, and Tempeh Breakfast Hash

Breakfast hashes make for a filling breakfast, but they’re often served with eggs. For a plant-based alternative, you can use tempeh, which not only provides a good source of protein but also helps make the dish heartier. And, if you’re short on time, you can always microwave the sweet potato instead of baking it, which will cut down your cooking time by about 15 minutes. Make this Kale, Sweet Potato, and Tempeh Breakfast Hash from the Plant-Protein Recipes That You’ll Love cookbook.

8. Sweet Potato Bites With Guacamole and Cauliflower

Source: Sweet Potato Bites With Guacamole and Cauliflower

Alexandra Dawson‘s Sweet Potato Bites are perfect for an appetizer or a party. The creamy mashed sweet potato is topped with perfectly spiced cauliflower and guacamole. The flavor combination is out of this world.

9. Crispy Peanutty Tofu and Trumpet Mushrooms

Source: Crispy Peanutty Tofu and Trumpet Mushrooms

Combine the crispy tofu and Oyster mushrooms, then lay them on a bed of coconut rice and you have a tasty meal. This Crispy Peanutty Tofu and Trumpet Mushrooms dish by Sean McCarthy is cozy enough to curl up with on a chilly fall day fall but brightly flavored enough to feel invigorated. The recipe is comfort food that won’t weigh you down.

10. Fermented Carrots With Turmeric and Mustard

Source: Fermented Carrots With Turmeric and Mustard

Not only is fermented food a great way to keep your gut bacteria healthy and happy, but it can also add a surprising depth of flavor and tang to almost any dish. These Fermented Carrots With Turmeric and Mustardby Gabriella Hose and Joe Furini are simple to make, loaded with turmeric and they stay crunchy through the fermentation process so they are extra delicious however you consume them.

11. Dragon Fruit Rainbow Rolls

Source: Dragon Fruit Rainbow Rolls

Travis Piper‘s bright and beautiful Dragon Fruit Rainbow Rolls are simple, but eye-catching. Shredded carrots, avocado, cucumber slices, fresh basil, and, the pièce de résistance: dragon fruit-marinaded rice noodles, are rolled up in a rice paper wrap. They’re fresh, filling, and served with a peanut butter dipping sauce whose sweet and spicy flavors can be adjusted to your liking.

12. Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad With Grilled Croutons

Source: Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad With Grilled Croutons

The tomato-bread mix in this Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad With Grilled Croutons from the Simple Green Suppers cookbook is a twist on an Italian Panzanella salad, only here it is used a bit more like a garnish for arugula, peach, and grilled onion salad. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar, lime, and maple syrup brings together all the flavor points in this colorful mix. If you’ve never grilled peaches before, no worries — it’s much easier than it sounds and quite delicious. You can use nectarines if you like instead.

13. Cucumber Gazpacho

Source: Cucumber Gazpacho

Cucumber is the star of this very summery gazpacho. Pavani Nandula‘s Cucumber Gazpacho recipe is slightly spicy, with the addition of scallions and garlic, and creamy with the sour cream. If you don’t have access to vegan sour cream, skip it and blend the avocado into the soup for that same rich, creamy taste and texture! Serve this gazpacho with a piece of crusty bread on the side or with a warm salad.

14. Apple, Pecan, and Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Source: Apple, Pecan, and Cinnamon Overnight Oats

These Apple, Pecan, and Cinnamon Overnight Oats by Sophie Parker are such a classic combo, but for good reason! The cinnamon adds a lovely warming spice, making this flavor combo perfect for the colder months.

15. Kombucha

Source: Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented, probiotic drink that is super healthy for the gut. Try making your own with this recipe by Annie Oliverio.

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Plant-Based Recipes to Prevent GERD and Heartburn (2024)

FAQs

Can a plant-based diet help with GERD? ›

Adopting a plant-based diet filled with foods rich in fiber and nutrients is vital for many health issues, but I also highly recommend it for GERD. This is because whole plant foods are packed with fiber that is digested further down the intestinal tract, putting less strain on the stomach.

What herbs should I avoid with GERD? ›

Decaffeinated herbal teas may help you manage symptoms of GERD and acid reflux. However, remember what we said about mint if you use herbal tea. Avoid mint-based teas. Mint, peppermint, spearmint, and other mints can increase your risk for symptoms.

What vegetables should be avoided with GERD? ›

The following fruits and veggies commonly lead to reflux:
  • pineapple.
  • citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes.
  • tomatoes (and tomato-based foods)
  • garlic and onions.

What plant-based protein is good for GERD? ›

Best Protein Sources for Acid Reflux*

Low-fat dairy: Opt for low-fat dairy options like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and skim milk. Plant-based proteins: Incorporate plant-based sources of protein such as tofu, legumes, nuts, and seeds into your diet.

What herb is best for GERD? ›

Ginger Root

Historically, ginger has been used to treat other gastrointestinal ailments, including heartburn. It's thought to contain anti-inflammatory properties. This may reduce overall swelling and irritation in the esophagus. There are very few side effects associated with ginger root, unless you take too much.

How do you permanently treat GERD naturally? ›

Can you cure GERD naturally? Mild cases of GERD can be cured with natural home remedies and lifestyle changes. Eating smaller meals, limiting spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, and not eating before bed could be enough to control your symptoms, without the need for medications.

How do you flush out GERD? ›

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  2. Stop smoking. ...
  3. Elevate the head of your bed. ...
  4. Start on your left side. ...
  5. Don't lie down after a meal. ...
  6. Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. ...
  7. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. ...
  8. Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Jan 4, 2023

What drink soothes GERD? ›

Herbal teas (chamomile, licorice, and ginger), low fat milk, plant-based milk (oat, flax, or almond milk), smoothies, coconut water, and nonacidic juices (cucumber, carrot, and aloe vera) may help you manage acid reflux symptoms. Remember to opt for unsweetened and noncarbonated drinks.

How can I tighten my esophageal sphincter naturally? ›

By lifting and holding the neck from a supine position for 60 seconds at a time, you create enough tension in the muscle associated with the upper esophageal sphincter that it can strengthen the valve.

Can turmeric reduce GERD? ›

A separate study in 2011 showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin prevented esophageal inflammation. Turmeric and its extract curcumin are both said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, turmeric may relieve GERD.

What is a natural anti-inflammatory for the esophagus? ›

In addition to the use of curcumin as an anti-inflammatory in ancient times, it has also been used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) diseases such as indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, and even gastric and duodenal ulcers [1,2,3].

What is the best breakfast for acid reflux? ›

If you have GERD, you can eat low-sugar fruits, small amounts of low-fat dairy (including yogurt), oatmeal, avocados, whole-grain toast and cereals, and eggs that are either boiled or scrambled with minimal oil, There are a lot of different meals you can prepare with these base ingredients.

Are potatoes OK with GERD? ›

Potatoes. Potatoes — either boiled or baked and prepared without high-fat toppings — are a good option to help you prevent acid reflux. Try to stay away from french-fries and potato chips though. As good as they taste, their high fat content can cause stomach discomfort.

What is a natural alternative to omeprazole? ›

A small study has found turmeric to be as effective as Omeprazole at treating indigestion. Participants experienced a significant reduction in symptom severity after taking turmeric supplements for 28 days. Curcumin, found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation.

Can you reverse GERD with diet? ›

Although no specific diet can prevent the condition, eating and avoiding certain foods may ease symptoms for some individuals. People with GERD can often manage their symptoms with dietary and lifestyle changes and OTC medications.

Is it possible to heal GERD naturally? ›

Can you cure GERD naturally? Mild cases of GERD can be cured with natural home remedies and lifestyle changes. Eating smaller meals, limiting spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, and not eating before bed could be enough to control your symptoms, without the need for medications.

How can I heal my gut from GERD? ›

Try to:
  1. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  2. Stop smoking. ...
  3. Elevate the head of your bed. ...
  4. Start on your left side. ...
  5. Don't lie down after a meal. ...
  6. Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. ...
  7. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. ...
  8. Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Jan 4, 2023

Can a plant-based diet help with digestive issues? ›

Fiber. Fiber is naturally found in plants and is made up of carbohydrates that cannot be digested or absorbed by the human body. Fiber adds bulk to your stool and prevents constipation. Eating plant-based foods rich in fiber can improve the regularity of your bowel movements.

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