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GERD DIET

It is important to recognize that GERD is a disease that should not be ignored or self-treated. Heartburn, the most frequent symptom, is so common that its significance may be under estimated. It is often casually dismissed and not associated with a disease, like GERD.

It is important to understand that GERD can have serious consequences for an individual. In addition to the physical complications that can arise, surveys report that uncomfortable or painful symptoms of acid reflux can intrude on all aspects of an individual's daily life – emotionally, socially, and professionally.

In studies that measure emotional well-being, people with unresolved GERD often report worse scores than those with other chronic diseases, like diabetes, high blood pressure, peptic ulcer, or angina. Yet, nearly half of acid reflux sufferers do not recognize it as a disease.

GERD is a disease. It is not caused by lifestyle decisions. It is usually accompanied by obvious common symptoms but may occur in the absence of obvious symptoms. If ignored or not appropriately treated, it can lead to more serious complications.

Most people with GERD have a mild form of the disease that can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication. If you suspect you may have GERD, the first step is to consult a physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis and then work in partnership with your physician to initiate the best available treatment plan for you.

IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GERD AND A GASTRIC INFECTION AS THERE IS FOR ULCERS?

Infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria (h pylori) is associated with peptic ulcer (an ulcer in the duodenum or stomach). There is no strong evidence that H.pylori can cause GERD.

Is GERD caused by diet and wrong foods?

Diet does not cause GERD. Nevertheless, gastroesophageal reflux and its most frequent complaint of heartburn can be aggravated by foods. The foods that most often bother people are chocolate, fried foods, fatty foods, peppermint, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and acidic foods. Spicy foods and citrus fruits can worsen heartburn. Large fatty meals, because they slowly empty in the stomach, and eating late at night can contribute to nocturnal heartburn. Alcohol can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and make reflux worse.

GERD is a recurrent and chronic disease for which long-term medical therapy is generally effective. It is important to recognize that chronic reflux does not resolve itself. There is not yet a cure for GERD. Long-term and appropriate treatment is necessary. The treatment of GERD is generally initiated by an individual when the symptoms develop or when an individual with no apparent symptoms develop complications of GERD. The goals of treatment are:

  • To bring the symptoms under control so that the individual feels better; heal the esophagus from inflammation or injury; manage or prevent complications such as Barrett's esophagus or stricture; and, maintain the symptoms of GERD in remission so that daily life is not affected or minimally affected by reflux.
  • The first line therapy for all of the manifestations of GERD are lifestyle modifications which are as follows:
  • Reduce fats (lead to delayed emptying of gastric material and reduced LES pressure)
  • Reduce the intake of caffeine and chocolate. They decrease LES pressure
  • Eliminate or reduce intake of citrus and tomato products (acidic foods increase esophageal acid sensitivity)
  • Increase protein intake (may accelerate gastric emptying)
  • Alcohol intake and smoking adversely affect LES pressure and acid secretion
  • Do not lay down within three to four hours after eating (gastric distention stimulates LES relaxation)
  • Elevating the head of the bed six inches may help to more rapidly clear refluxed acid from the esophagus at night.
  • Sleeping on your left side may help reduce the amount of reflux.
  • Disclose the use of any medications to your physician that may aggravate symptoms. Some examples are: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are used to treat arthritis and general inflammation that cause direct esophageal injuries; sedatives and calcium channel blockers (used primarily to treat high blood pressure and angina) relax the LES; Fosamax (used to treat osteoporosis, when taken exactly as directed with lots of water, may damage the esophagus or increase reflux).

Again, if you follow the The Good Carb Diet that I have written, you will not only reap benefits from weight loss, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, preventing diabetes but you will also notice within one week a significant improvement in symptoms of GERD.

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