Which of the following might increase the risk for GERD due to high fat content?

High animal fat intake is known to increase the risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Foods that are high in fat can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. When this sphincter relaxes, it can allow stomach contents, including acid, to flow back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and indigestion.

Fat slows down the digestion process, which can also lead to increased pressure in the stomach as food takes longer to move through the digestive tract. This increased pressure can further exacerbate reflux symptoms. In contrast, options like lean meats, nut butters, and low-fat yogurt are generally lower in fat content and less likely to contribute to reflux issues. Lean meats have less saturated fat, nut butters (when consumed in moderation and in appropriate quantities) can provide healthy fats, and low-fat yogurt is designed to have reduced fat content, making them more suitable choices for those monitoring GERD symptoms.