Best Bread for GERD

Best Bread for GERD

by Conlan Foy in Wildgrain Blog

By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D.

Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.

If you love a warm, comforting slice of bread but gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) keeps getting in the way of you enjoying it, you’re definitely not the only one. The good news is that with a little know-how, you can choose breads that support your digestion instead of stirring up symptoms. Let’s break down which loaves tend to be gentler on the stomach so you can enjoy every bite without the painful consequences.

What is the best diet for GERD? Can you eat bread with GERD? 

The best diet for GERD leans heavily on whole-grains, lean proteins, nonacidic fruits and vegetables, and smaller meals. It is also important to avoid high-fat or highly acidic foods to keep symptoms at bay. Just as we discussed in our Best Breads for Acid Reflux and Heartburn article, you can absolutely eat bread with GERD, but which bread, and how much, matters. Opt for 100% whole-grain, rye, or sourdough bread options which are easier to digest than refined white bread. High fiber and slower digestion are linked with fewer reflux symptoms, as is eating slowly, and enjoying smaller portions. 

What kind of bread can you eat with GERD?  Which bread is the least acidic?

When dealing with GERD, the best breads are those that digest slowly and don’t have a lot of added fat, sugar, or acid – 100% whole-grain, whole-wheat, rye, or sourdough made from a natural starter are the best options. These breads are high in fiber or slow fermented, so they tend to sit easier on the stomach and reduce reflux symptoms compared to breads made with refined flours that are digested quickly. The least acidic choice is almost always slow-fermented sourdough, because the fermentation process lowers the dough’s pH, making it easier on digestion and lessens reflux symptoms. 

Can you eat bagels with GERD? Are bagels GERD-friendly?

You can eat bagels with GERD. However, traditional bagels are usually made from refined white flour and are very dense. These large portions can sit heavily in the stomach increasing gastric pressure and aggravating reflux symptoms. Guidance on GERD diets generally recommends limiting refined grains and opting for high fiber options in smaller portions. So, if you are going to enjoy a bagel, your best bet to keep symptoms at bay is a whole-grain or whole-wheat bagel with a light topping. Try eating the bagel as part of a balanced meal rather than a stand alone carb heavy meal. 

Is toast ok for GERD? What can I put on toast for GERD?

Toast is a viable option for those with GERD, especially if you choose the right bread and toppings. Whole grain toast is higher in fiber and is less likely to trigger symptoms than refined white bread. For toppings, opt for simple things such as a thin spread of nut butter, mashed avocado with a drizzle of olive oil, or a thin spread of low-fat yogurt and banana slices. Be careful to avoid high-fat and high-acidity options to avoid aggravating GERD. 

Can I eat bread and butter with GERD?

You can eat bread and butter with GERD, but it is important to pay attention to the ingredients and the way it is prepared. Whole-grain bread is the best choice because it is higher in fiber and likely won’t trigger GERD symptoms. Butter, on the other hand, is high in saturated fat. High fat foods are known to trigger GERD symptoms. Instead of butter, opt for light or plant based margarine which is lower in fat. If you absolutely must have butter, make sure to keep the butter thin and keep your portions modest.

Is sourdough bread acidic? Is sourdough bread ok for GERD?

Sourdough bread is technically acidic because of the lactic and acetic acids produced during fermentation, but this same fermentation makes it easier to digest than other breads. Some people still experience reflux from sourdough, especially if it is made from refined flour or eaten in large portions, so it isn’t universally trigger free. However, for most people with GERD, a true long-fermented whole-grain sourdough is often a well-tolerated option. 

Is whole wheat bread ok for GERD?

You can eat whole-wheat bread if you have GERD, and it is one of the better bread options for those suffering from GERD. Whole-grain breads offer more fiber which helps digestion and may reduce reflux symptoms. As to not trigger symptoms, aim for modest portions and be sure the first ingredient in the bread you are eating is truly a whole-grain flour. 

Is rye bread ok for GERD?

Rye bread can fit into a GERD-friendly diet. Rye bread is naturally higher in fiber which slows digestion, making it a gentler option than white bread for those managing reflux. It is also important to consider that rye can be dense and fermentable, which means eating a large portion all at once can lead to extra gas or discomfort. Be sure to keep portions limited and toppings light.

What is the best bread for GERD? Which bread is the most friendly for GERD?

The best bread for GERD is the one that you enjoy the most that does not trigger symptoms. However, opting for whole-grain or whole-wheat breads is often the safest bet because they offer higher fiber, slower digestion, and fewer trigger traits often found in refined white breads. Slow-fermented sourdough and rye breads are also strong choices, as the fiber content and preparation methods make digestion easier and less likely to trigger symptoms. In short, opt for whole-grain, choose modest portions, and keep toppings light! 

Where can I buy healthy bread online?

At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include whole wheat sourdough, plain sourdough loaf and rye sourdough loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. 

About the Author

Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science.

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.

Tags: Bread GERD Healthy Eating
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Best Pasta for GERD

Best Pasta for GERD

By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. If you love a warm bowl of pasta but gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) keeps crashing the party, you are not alone. The good news is that pasta is not off limits. However, the right grains, textures, and prep methods need to be chosen to keep digestion comfortable. Read on to see a breakdown of which pastas play nicely with your digestive system so you can enjoy your favorite pasta dishes without the burn.  Can you eat pasta with GERD? Can a person with GERD eat pasta? Just like we discussed in our Best Pasta for Acid Reflux and Heartburn article, those with GERD can eat pasta. However, high-fiber pasta, such as whole wheat pasta, should be the first choice since high fiber foods are known to decrease symptoms of GERD. Additionally, it is best to avoid sauces that are spicy, creamy or acidic as all three can trigger GERD symptoms. 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Is gnocchi GERD-friendly? Just like with ravioli, you can fit gnocchi into your diet if you have GERD, but not triggering symptoms is dependent on how it is prepared and served. Many gnocchi can be flagged as not GERD friendly due to refined carb content, heavy sauces, or acidic toppings. To make gnocchi safer to consume without triggering symptoms, choose options made with whole-grains and steer clear of dairy-heavy or tomato-based sauces.  Can eating pasta worsen GERD? Can eating pasta worsen acid reflux? Eating pasta can worsen GERD, but it depends on the pasta and what you put on it. Highly refined pasta, large portions, and heavy, acidic, or high-fat sauces (e.g. tomato sauces, alfredo sauce) are the real culprits that can aggravate GERD. For most people with GERD, choosing whole-grain pasta, lighter toppings, and smaller portions allows them to keep pasta in their diet without triggering symptoms. Can you eat pasta sauce with GERD? Which pasta sauce is the least acidic? Yes, pasta sauces can be enjoyed with GERD but it is important to make smart choices. Avoid tomato based sauces because they are high in acid which is a common trigger. Additionally, heavy cream based sauces and fatty toppings can trigger symptoms as well. The best options that are the least acidic are olive-oil based or broth based.  What is the best pasta for GERD? The best pasta for GERD is one that you enjoy and that does not trigger symptoms. Usually this means opting for whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta. Beyond the pasta itself, the toppings and portion sizes also matter. Opt for lean proteins and non-acidic vegetables, light oil-based or broth-based sauces and minimal cheese and spices. Where can I buy the best fresh pasta online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include fresh cavatappi and fresh tonnarelli, along with classic marinara sauce and extra virgin olive oil. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.

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