Heartburn and other symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are common issues these days, and pregnant women may also face this problem. GERD is a digestive disorder that is a result of the stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus and causing a burning sensation in your throat and chest area. People experiencing heartburn and other symptoms of GERD should be mindful of what they eat. Non-citrus fruits, baked chips instead of fried ones, raw vegetables with hummus and dips, crackers with any type of nut butter or sauce, oatmeal or any other high-fiber cereal, rice cakes and grain, granola bars and bagel, and salads, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products are good choices for people with reflux issues.

The thumb rule to follow is that snacks should be consumed in moderation, regardless of the snack chosen. Less spicy, low-fat, and simple foods are best to prevent heartburn and GERD. This article lists some healthy snack options for patients suffering from GERD:

• Almonds
  Consuming 8 to 10 almonds as is daily or even soaking them in water before consumption is helpful.
• Cottage cheese and apples
  One can cut an apple into small pieces and add a half cup of low-fat cottage cheese for a healthy and fulfilling snack.
• Bananas
  Bananas are great for managing acidity, heartburn, and other symptoms of GERD and are one of the most helpful foods to prevent heartburn and GERD.
• Baby carrots
  Simply add two tablespoons of hummus to one or half a cup of baby carrots. These carrots have a cooling effect and can be digested easily.
• Non-fat Greek yogurt
  It is one of the most popular foods to prevent heartburn and GERD. If one wishes to add a little more flavor to this yogurt, they can add some fruit pieces to it.
• Grapes
  25 to 30 grapes daily can make a refreshing and tasty snack for people experiencing heartburn and GERD symptoms.
• Granola with fruits
  Half a cup of granola with a few berries or strawberries can help in case of heartburn.
• Lean meat and seafood
  Lean meats like turkey, chicken, fish, and seafood can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux when consumed grilled, boiled, or baked.
• Egg whites
  Egg whites are high in fat and may also help manage the symptoms of GERD, acid reflux, and heartburn.
• Avocados
  Another one of the foods to help prevent heartburn and GERD are avocados as they are high in fiber and control acid reflux. Mashed avocados on toast are a good, wholesome snack option.

Foods to avoid to manage GERD

• High-fat foods like bacon, full-fat dairy products, desserts, cream sauces, and greasy foods.
• Tomatoes and citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and pineapples should also be avoided as they can trigger and worsen the symptoms of this condition.
• Garlic, onions, and spicy foods also trigger the symptoms of heartburn in many people.
• Caffeine and mint are also said to trigger acid reflux and other symptoms of GERD, so they should be avoided.