Is Orchard Valley Harvest Dark Chocolate, Sweetened Cherries GERD Friendly?

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be a trigger for GERD symptoms. Caffeine and Theobromine, both found in chocolate, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle acts as a barrier between the esophagus and stomach. When relaxed, it allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. The high fat content in chocolate can also contribute to GERD symptoms by slowing down digestion and relaxing the LES.

Note by Team Spoonful, Clinical nutrition experts