Heartburn and regurgitation?

-



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.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more