That telltale burning feeling in your stomach or chest may be a sign of bowel diseases (like colitis or Crohn’s), or GERD. Symptoms of GERD include backwash of food or sour liquid, chest or stomach pain, and trouble swallowing. These symptoms often worsen at night and may cause cough, laryngitis, or even asthma. GERD and bowel disease treatments can include medication, lifestyle changes, and, occasionally, surgery. Over the counter remedies, like Pepcid AC, or doctor prescribed medications, like Stelara for Crohn’s disease, may also help reduce the heartburn common in Crohn’s disease sufferers. Treating GERD and bowel disease symptoms by eating these easily digestible foods is also often recommended:

1. Ginger
Ginger is a known anti-inflammatory. This is a great choice since GERD can cause inflammation of the esophagus. You can buy ginger root and chop it to add to many dishes—like stir fry sauces, smoothies, salads, pasta or poultry. You can also choose to add a slice of ginger to hot or cold drinks, like tea.

2. Oatmeal
Typically thought of as a breakfast food, oatmeal is actually very versatile. Besides eating it like a bowl of cereal, you can use it as an ingredient in baked goods, meatloaf, or in sauces. It is excellent for the treatment of GERD because of the heart healthy fiber it contains. This fiber can absorb the acid that causes reflux. It is also a good Crohn’s disease treatment. This is because it contains a soluble fiber that helps bulk up stools during a flare of the disease.

3. Low acid fruits
Anyone with GERD will want to avoid citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit. Lower acid fruits can be a good choice in moderation. Choosing melons, apples, pears and bananas can satisfy any sweet tooth. It can also add needed vitamins and fiber to your daily diet. Eating whole fruits or adding them to recipes are both options. Banana muffins with flax seeds are an excellent choice for someone who suffers from frequent heartburn.

4. Lean meats and seafood
Poultry and most seafood are good foods for those with GERD. You should bake, boil, grill or roast poultry. Never fry chicken or turkey as the fat can cause reflux symptoms. Salmon, tuna, sardines, and trout are oily types of fish that contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These good fats are beneficial for reducing inflammatory conditions, like GERD, and do not trigger any reflux symptoms.

5. Egg whites
One good food choice with GERD is egg whites. These are high in protein and low in fat. Most of an egg’s fat is in the yolk. You may want to skip the yolk since heavy fats can trigger GERD symptoms. When preparing egg whites, be sure not to add too much fat, such as butter or cheese. Scrambled and served with whole wheat toast, an omelet with some high fiber vegetables is a great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

6. Healthy fats
Everybody needs some healthy fats in their diet, as they help fight inflammation and reduce high blood pressure. Heart healthy fats like avocado, flax seeds, olive oil, and sesame oil can be included in smoothies or salad dressings. For instance, add chunks of avocado or a drizzle of olive oil and some flax seeds to a power bowl. Or prepare avocado toast for a healthy breakfast. Additionally flax seeds add texture when mixed into any baked good or smoothie.

If you suspect you have bowel disease, ask your doctor about medications like Stelara, Entyvio, Otezla, Kesimpta, and Linzess to help relieve symptoms.