Dietary Advice On Gerd (Gastro Esophagus Reflux Disease):

By: on May 26th, 2017 in

DIETARY ADVICE ON GERD (GASTRO ESOPHAGUS REFLUX DISEASE):

 

Raj says to his friend Joy” my wife has GERD! A doctor gives a lot of restriction! That’s why my lunch box is full of fruits than those bland foods, prepared for everyone!”.Joy was confused and offered his lunch but one question was on his mind….

What is GERD?

GERD refers to the regurgitation of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus.It results in a spectrum of clinical manifestations, the most common being heartburn acid regurgitation.

GERD is typically chronic, and while it is generally non-progressive, esophagus some cases are associated with the development of complications of increasing severity and significance. Reflux occurs when the esophagus meet.

Why reflux happens?

GERD may develop due to any of the following reasons:

  • Decreased muscle tone or abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter
  • Reduced stomach motility, allowing food to remain too long in the stomach,
  • Hiatus hernia

Symptoms:

  • Most commonly, people with GERD complain of heartburn, a painful or uncomfortable feelings in the chest, which may radiate to the back .Often the patient will recognize a pattern of symptoms related to timing, food or body positions.
  • In addition to heartburn, difficult painful swallowing, a sour taste in the mouth and frequent belching are common.
  • Some important extra-oesophageal symptoms include laryngitis, pharyngitis, dental erosions, asthma etc.

What are the complications can be possible if it is not treated early?

It can cause:

  • Oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus),
  • Bleeding, oesophageal erosions and ulcerations (frequent reflux of acid into the oesophagus), narrowing of the intestines.
  • Replacement of ulcerated squamous epithelium by a metaplastic intestinal-type epithelium()Barrett’s oesophagus
  • Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus can alos be seen.

What are the ways to take care of this disease?

  • It must be clear from our above discussion is that the nutrient requirements during this condition do not vary much from that RDI(Recommended Dietary Intake) for a normal individual.
  • But, if obesity is the reason for GERD development, then it is essential to prescribe a weight reduction diet!
  • If there is persistence of bleeding, the iron rich food must be supplemented in additionto more protein and B vitamins!
  • Meals eaten within 2to3 hours of bedtime(which increase acid availability at night time), or with alcohol, can predispose patients to nocturnal reflux.
  • Dietary fat in the duodenum (part of GI tract) also appears to be a strong reflux trigger, in part by impairing gastric emptying. Also, it is inappropriate to advise to reduce the fat content of their meals, as least with regard to GERD symptom relief.
  • During your disease condition, specific foods that have been identified as potentially aggravating factors, for example ; in certain patients include raw onions, chocolate, caffeine, citrus juice, tomato, spicy products, alcohol etc. Cold drinks, coffee, tea and beer can have an acidic pH, and thus they are potentially esophageal irritants. Thus they must be avoided.
  • Obesity is thought to be another potential predisposing factor to gastroesophageal reflux or

GERD. Maintenance of ideal weight for age may help in reducing the symptoms.

Overall don’t be panic if you have this complications! Just relax and follow the best guidelines given by the health professionals. Remember stress is another important culprit for this complications!