Can patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease eat pumpkin?
Disease description:
I have recently been experiencing frequent heartburn and abdominal pain. After a hospital examination, I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). My doctor advised me to follow a bland diet. Since I usually enjoy eating pumpkin, I would like to ask whether pumpkin is considered a bland food and whether it is suitable for consumption by patients with GERD.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive system disorder. Its main symptoms include heartburn caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, acid regurgitation, belching, and others. Patients can generally eat pumpkin but should consume it in moderation.
Pumpkin is a nutrient-rich food containing various components such as amino acids, polysaccharides, carotenoids, pectin, and mineral elements. Among these, pectin helps protect the gastric mucosa, reduces irritation to the stomach lining, and can also promote the healing of ulcers. Additionally, components found in pumpkin can stimulate bile secretion and enhance gastrointestinal motility, thus aiding digestion. When consuming pumpkin, patients should avoid cooking it with excessive oil, spicy seasonings, or highly acidic ingredients, as these may increase stomach acid secretion and be detrimental.
It is recommended to use mild cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, or stewing when preparing pumpkin, and season moderately to preserve its natural flavor and nutritional value. It's also important to develop good daily habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding eating before bedtime, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption, all of which can help improve the condition.
