Heartburn and regurgitation?

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You might want to consider these nutrition recommendations


I never thought much about gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) until someone close to me became diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus (BE).
           
            BE is a precancerous condition in which the normal squamous epithelium of             the esophagus is replaced by an abnormal columnar-lined epithelium. There             is no exact cause of BE, but we do know that GERD is a risk factor for the               condition.

            GER is considered a normal physiologic process that occurs several times a             day in healthy infants, children, and adults. It is associated with relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and                     permits gastric contents to enter the esophagus.

            GERD is the more serious, chronic/long-lasting form of GER. Symptoms of GER includes: heartburn, which is a                     painful, burning sensation that radiates up behind the sternum and regurgitation.

* One or both of these symptoms occur at least once a
week in individuals with GERD.

It is important to manage GER and GERD so it does not progress to BE. I know from personal experiences that BE is difficult to deal with and is very uncomfortable and scary for the person suffering from this condition. Too bad he didn’t have a blog like this or a friend studying nutrition to provide him with nutrition therapy recommendations early on.

So here are some considerations in case you or someone else experiences these problems that can result in a very serious condition, BE.

The goals include:
  • Decrease exposure of the esophagus to gastric content.
  • Decrease acidity of gastric secretions.
  • Prevent pain and irritation.

Nutrition recommendations and guidelines for GER. GERD, & BE:

            1. Avoid large, high-fat meals.
            2. Avoid eating 2-3 hours before lying down.
            3. Elevate the head of bed by 6-8 inches for individuals who have reflux episodes at night.
            4. Avoid smoking.
            5. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
            6. Avoid caffeine-containing foods and beverages.
            7. Remain upright for a while after eating.
            8. Wear loose fitting clothing around the stomach area; tight clothing can constrict the area and increase reflux.
            9. Avoid acidic and highly spiced foods when inflammation exists.
            10. Lose weight if overweight.



-NB

Reference

Mahan, L. K. & Raymond, J. L. (2017). Krause's food & the nutrition care process. St. Louis, Mo.:Elsevier/Saunders.


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