Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition which causes stomach contents to move up the esophagus, it is considered a more serious form of acid reflux. GERD can cause damage to the esophagus, pharynx, or respiratory tract, so it’s important to manage it as best you can. Just like GERD, bowel diseases like Chrons and Ulcerative Colitis, are impacted by diet. You can try heartburn relief medication and prescriptions like Stelara Chrons, but the conditions are often triggered by certain foods—here are 6 foods that keep GERD and bowel disease at bay:

1. Oatmeal

With conditions like GERD and bowel disease, it’s essential to eat high-fiber foods. Fibrous foods make you feel full, so you’ll be less likely to overeat—and guess what? Overeating contributes to heartburn, so be sure to load up on healthy fiber in oatmeal and other whole grains like couscous and brown rice. In terms of bowel diseases, fiber helps to bulk stool, which helps if you’re experiencing loose stool or diarrhea.

2. Bananas

Like fibrous foods, alkaline foods are very good for keeping GERD and bowel disease at bay. Bananas are considered to be alkaline thanks to their high potassium content, combating stomach acid and coating the stomach lining to help prevent heartburn. Additionally, more potassium in the diet cuts the risk of bowel disease, so stock up on those bananas!

3. Watery foods

Watery foods like watermelon, cucumber, celery, broth-based soups, lettuce, and more are excellent for GERD as they can dilute and weaken stomach acid. With bowel diseases, hydration is extremely encouraged as you can become dehydrated if you experience frequent or watery diarrhea—so in addition to drinking lots of water, including more watery foods is a great option.

4. Salmon

Fatty fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which contain anti-inflammatory properties. By adding this to your diet, it may help to manage any inflammation in the digestive tract, making it very beneficial for those with bowel diseases.

5. Ginger

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive system, in turn helping to alleviate GERD symptoms and being beneficial for those with bowel diseases. Try adding fresh ginger to teas, smoothies, or adding it to your meals to help with digestion.

6. Brown rice

Brown rice is another great source of fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements, helps to maintain digestive health, and prevents or alleviates GERD symptoms. Brown rice retains more of its nutrients than refined grains like white rice, making it a much healthier option.