Achalasia cardia is a rare condition that makes it hard for food and liquid to pass through esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is the valve between the esophagus and stomach) fails to relax and prevents food entering the stomach. This disorder happens when the nerves in the esophagus become damaged, which results in paralysis of the esophagus, and it becomes dilated over time and loses its ability to push food down into the stomach. The food particles remain in the esophagus, get fermented sometimes and wash back into the mouth, which tastes bitter. This condition is mistaken for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But in achalasia, the food is coming from the esophagus, whereas in GERD, part of the food material comes from the stomach.
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For achalasia cardia, there is no complete cure; once the esophagus is paralysed, the muscle cannot work properly again. However, the symptoms can be managed with endoscopy or minimally invasive surgery.
Causes
The exact cause is not clear, but factors include:
Damage to nerves in the esophagus
Viral infections in very rare cases.
Genetic predisposition
Also Read: Achalasia: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Common Symptoms
Difficulty swallowing food, medically termed as dysphagia
Food or liquid coming back up or regurgitation
Intense pain or discomfort in the chest
Coughing, especially at night
Heartburn-like sensations
A feeling of food stuck in the throat
Dietary Management for Achalasia Cardia
Diet cannot cure achalasia, but the type of right foods and eating habits can significantly improve swallowing and reduce discomfort.
Best Foods to Eat (Easy-to-Swallow, Soothing Foods)
Soft, Moist, and Smooth Foods
Soups that are clear or blended
Broths
Porridge or oatmeal
Soft, cooked rice or khichdi
Mashed potatoes
Smooth dal
Blended or Pureed Foods
Pureed vegetables
Pureed fruits
Smoothies (not too dense)
Vegetable or chicken pureed preparations
Semi-Solid Foods
Upma
Idli
Soft-boiled pasta
Custard
Yogurt or curd (not too sour)
Soft, Ripened Fruits
Papaya
Boiled apple
Ripe pear
Avocado
Also Read: Soft Diet: What It Is, Who Needs It, Benefits, And How to Follow?
Well-Cooked Vegetables
Carrots
Pumpkin
Spinach
Bottle gourd
Zucchini
Hydration-Friendly Options
To ease swallowing:
Warm water
Coconut water
Clear juices (non-acidic)
Foods to Avoid (Hard-to-Swallow or Triggering Foods)
Dry, Hard, or Sticky Foods
Dry bread slices
Chapati without gravy
Dry roti sabzi
Toast
Biscuits and cookies
Nut butter (thick)
Fibrous or Tough Foods
Raw vegetables
Raw salads
Tough meat pieces
Stringy fruits (pineapple, oranges with fibers)
High-Acid or Spicy Foods
Citrus fruits (orange, lemon)
Tomato-based foods
Spicy curries
Pickles
Sour foods
Carbonated Drinks & Alcohol
Soda
Beer
These may worsen regurgitation.
Very Cold or Very Hot Foods
Extreme temperatures worsen oesophageal irritation.
Lifestyle and Eating Tips for Achalasia Cardia
Following these habits helps food pass more easily through the esophagus:
Chew small bites slowly, as it can help reduce choking.
Have 4–6 smaller meals rather than three or two large ones; this gives the body energy and nutrients to stay active.
Drinking a glass of warm water with meals helps push food down the esophagus.
Wait at least 2–3 hours before resting, as lying down after eating can cause food to reflux back and irritate the lining.
Keep your upper body elevated; this allows food to travel smoothly.
A short walk after a meal improves digestion and encourages better movement of food.
Never eat late in the night, as it increases irritation in the oesophageal lining. Avoiding food late at night reduces nighttime regurgitation.
If you have severe dysphagia, choose soft or pureed-texture food like vegetable puree, mixier mashed rice and dal.
Every person’s body reacts differently; note down on what foods trigger your symptoms and avoid those foods.
When to Seek Medical Help
Though diet helps, medical interventions are often necessary. Seek help if you experience:
Severe difficulty swallowing
Frequent vomiting of undigested food
Sudden weight loss
Chest pain
Conclusion
Achalasia Cardia requires long-term management, and diet plays a major role in keeping symptoms under control. Choosing soft, moist, and easy-to-swallow foods, avoiding hard or acidic foods, and adopting healthy eating habits can significantly reduce discomfort. With the right diet and medical support, people with achalasia can lead a healthier, and comfortable life.
References:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12664-025-01866-5
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3108680/
Management of achalasia
Luca Dughera 1,✉, Michele Chiaverina 1, Luca Cacciotella 1, Fabio Cisarò 2
Dietary and Nutritional Support in Gastrointestinal Diseases of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract (I): Esophagus
by Miguel A. Montoro-Huguet 1,2,3,4ORCID
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/22/4819
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