What Food to Avoid When You Have Scleroderma?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Scleroderma Research Foundation, managing symptoms can often be improved through dietary modifications. Knowing what food to avoid when you have scleroderma is a crucial step towards reducing digestive issues, minimizing inflammation, and improving overall quality of life.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines specific foods and food groups that can trigger or worsen symptoms in people with scleroderma, such as acid reflux, bloating, and digestive discomfort. It details why certain items like processed foods, spicy meals, and high-FODMAP ingredients may be problematic. Emphasizing the importance of an individualized approach, the text offers dietary strategies for better symptom management.

Key Points

Identify Reflux Triggers: Avoid or minimize foods and drinks that commonly trigger acid reflux, such as fried foods, spicy items, tomatoes, citrus, coffee, and alcohol.
Consider a Low-FODMAP Diet: If you experience bloating, gas, or other GI distress, a temporary low-FODMAP elimination diet under a doctor's supervision may help identify specific food sensitivities.
Limit Processed Foods and Sugar: Ultra-processed foods and added sugars can increase inflammation and negatively impact gut health. Opt for fresh, whole, and minimally processed alternatives.
Modify Texture for Swallowing Issues: If dysphagia is a problem, eating soft or puréed foods and chewing thoroughly can make eating easier and safer.
Avoid Cold Items for Raynaud's: For individuals with Raynaud's phenomenon, consuming warm liquids and avoiding very cold foods can help manage symptoms.
Practice Smart Eating Habits: Eating smaller, frequent meals, staying upright after eating, and chewing food well can significantly improve digestive comfort.
Prioritize Hydration: Staying well-hydrated with room-temperature water or herbal teas is essential for managing constipation and overall digestive health.
Consult a Professional: Always work with a healthcare provider, like a registered dietitian, to create a personalized nutrition plan that addresses your specific symptoms and nutritional needs.

Scleroderma and Its Impact on the Digestive System

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease characterized by the overproduction of collagen, leading to the thickening and scarring of tissue. When this affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it can lead to a range of challenging symptoms, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), malabsorption, bloating, and constipation. Managing these symptoms often requires careful dietary adjustments, focusing on what to avoid to minimize irritation and inflammation.

Foods That Trigger Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a common and often painful symptom for many individuals with scleroderma, caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter that allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Certain foods are known to exacerbate this problem and should be limited or eliminated from the diet.

Fatty and Fried Foods: These foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to rise.
Spicy Foods: Chili, cayenne, and other hot spices can irritate the lining of the esophagus.
Citrus Fruits and Tomatoes: The high acidity in these foods and their products (like tomato sauce) can trigger heartburn.
Caffeine and Chocolate: Both can relax the esophageal sphincter and increase stomach acid production.
Alcohol and Carbonated Beverages: These can increase stomach acid and put pressure on the stomach, contributing to reflux.
Peppermint: While often perceived as soothing, peppermint can relax the sphincter muscle, worsening reflux.

High-FODMAP and Difficult-to-Digest Foods

FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine and are easily fermented by gut bacteria, leading to gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. A low-FODMAP diet has shown some benefits for scleroderma patients with significant gastrointestinal issues, though it should be undertaken with professional guidance.

List of High-FODMAP Foods to Consider Limiting

Dairy Products: Containing lactose, these can cause bloating and discomfort for those who are intolerant. Examples include milk, yogurt, and ice cream.
Certain Fruits: Apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and watermelon are high in fructose and polyols.
Legumes and Beans: These are high in galacto-oligosaccharides and can cause gas and bloating.
Specific Vegetables: Onions, garlic, asparagus, and artichokes are common high-FODMAP culprits.
Wheat-Based Foods: Bread, cereals, and crackers can be problematic due to fructans.

It is important to remember that not all individuals with scleroderma have the same sensitivities, and what works for one may not work for another. The low-FODMAP diet is typically an elimination diet, and reintroducing foods to identify triggers is essential.

The Role of Processed Foods and Additives

Ultra-processed foods are detrimental to gut health, especially for those with autoimmune conditions like scleroderma. They often contain additives, high amounts of sugar, and unhealthy fats that can promote inflammation and disrupt gut bacteria balance.

Added Sugars: Excessive sugar intake can increase inflammation and alter the balance of gut bacteria. Look for hidden sugars in processed foods under names like sucrose, corn syrup, and fructose.
Trans and Unhealthy Fats: Partially hydrogenated oils, found in many processed snacks, contribute to inflammation and can worsen reflux.
Chemical Additives: Stabilizers and emulsifiers in processed foods can affect the gut microbiome in negative ways.

Comparison of Symptom Triggers by Food Group


Food Group	Primary Symptom Triggered	Common Examples	Mitigation Strategy
Acidic Foods	Heartburn/Reflux	Tomatoes, citrus fruits, vinegar	Substitute with less acidic alternatives like pumpkin or zucchini sauce.
High-FODMAP Foods	Bloating, Gas, Constipation, Diarrhea	Onions, garlic, beans, apples, wheat	Follow a temporary low-FODMAP elimination diet under supervision.
High-Fat/Fried Foods	Reflux, Indigestion	French fries, greasy meats, full-fat dairy	Choose lean protein sources and healthy fats like olive oil.
Caffeine/Alcohol	Reflux, Digestive Irritation	Coffee, soda, alcoholic beverages	Switch to decaf or herbal teas and limit or eliminate alcohol.
Processed Sugars	Inflammation, Fatigue, Gut Dysbiosis	Candy, cookies, sugary drinks	Prioritize natural sugars from fruits and avoid added sugars.

Practical Dietary Management for Scleroderma

Beyond specific food avoidance, several general eating habits can help manage scleroderma symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals (5-6 mini-meals daily) can prevent the stomach from becoming too full, which reduces the likelihood of reflux. It is also beneficial to remain upright for at least two hours after eating and to chew food thoroughly to aid digestion. For those with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), modifying food texture to softer or puréed consistencies can be very helpful. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial, especially with room-temperature water or herbal teas.

What to Avoid for Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon, a circulatory issue often associated with scleroderma, can be triggered by cold temperatures, including cold food and drinks. It is recommended to avoid ice water and cold smoothies and instead opt for warm liquids like tea or soup to maintain body temperature and improve circulation.

Conclusion: Your Personalized Approach is Key

There is no one-size-fits-all diet for scleroderma due to the highly individualized nature of symptoms. The best approach involves careful observation and working with a healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian, to identify your personal food triggers. By methodically eliminating common culprits like processed foods, high-reflux foods, and potential FODMAP triggers, you can significantly improve your digestive comfort and overall well-being. Ultimately, your food choices become a powerful tool in managing the daily challenges of living with scleroderma. For more comprehensive information, the Scleroderma Research Foundation provides excellent resources.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations related to scleroderma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, diet can significantly impact scleroderma symptoms, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract like acid reflux, bloating, and malabsorption. By avoiding trigger foods and adopting supportive eating habits, many individuals can manage and reduce their discomfort.

Common culprits for acid reflux include fatty and fried foods, spicy dishes, acidic items like citrus fruits and tomatoes, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.

A low-FODMAP diet involves temporarily eliminating specific carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the gut, causing gas and bloating. It is recommended for some scleroderma patients to identify and manage triggers for intestinal discomfort, but should be done with a healthcare provider's guidance.

For dysphagia, focus on soft or pureed foods, chew thoroughly, take smaller bites, and drink small amounts of liquid with each bite. Avoiding dry or sticky foods can also help.

For some, dairy products can be hard to digest and act as a high-FODMAP trigger, causing bloating and gas. If you suspect dairy is an issue, consider a lactose-free or plant-based alternative, ideally under professional guidance.

To help reduce inflammation, increase your intake of antioxidant-rich foods like dark-colored fruits and vegetables, and focus on sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

No, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor or a registered dietitian before making any significant dietary changes. They can help you create a balanced plan that meets your nutritional needs while addressing your specific scleroderma symptoms.