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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Barrett's Esophagus
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Barrett's Esophagus
by Candace__0__0, Jan 29, 1998 12:00AM
Re: Barrett's Esophagus
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Posted by HFHS M.D.-tbm on February 24, 1998 at 07:14:45:
In Reply to: Barrett's Esophagus posted by Dennis D. on February 17, 1998 at 22:28:04:
I have Barrett’s esophagus and have been told to stay away from fatty and acidic foods. I am looking for a list of foods that are considered acidic. I have been told about citrus and tomato, are there any others?
Also, there is a new product on the market called Prelief. When added to food, it reduces the acid up to 90%. Is this recommended to be used when you have Barrett’s Esophagus? I am 41 years old, 6'-1" tall and 165 pounds. I am very active and I run 18-20 miles per week. My GERD is controlled with medication, so my biggest concern now is to have the proper diet. Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
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Dear Dennis D.:
Certain foods can increase reflux by causing relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Caffeinated beverages, carbonated drinks, cigarettes, alcohol, fatty foods, mints and chocolate can all aggravate LES incompetence and reflux symptoms. Moreover, foods that stay in the stomach longer (such as fried, or fatty foods) tend to increase reflux symptoms and the amount of acid that enters the esophagus.
It is unclear whether "acidic" food cause increased acid production in the stomach. Although acidic food may worsen symptoms by irritating the already injured lining of the esophagus, they probably do not alter the severity or course of reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus. However, be pragmatic. Do no eat foods that cause you discomfort. Once the active inflammation of the esophagus has healed, you may find that you can tolerate certain "acidic" foods again.
If you refrain from taking caffeinated beverages, carbonated drinks, cigarettes, alcohol, fatty foods, mints and chocolate, your symptoms should improve considerably and you will facilitate healing of esophageal inflammation. In addition, since reflux is more likely to occur when lying flat, raising the head of the bed prevents stomach fluid from flowing back into the esophagus. Generally, raising the bed four to six inches is recommended. Books or blocks under the legs of the bed or a wedge under the mattress can be used. Since stomachs full of food and acid are more likely to reflux, avoiding bedtime snacks and eating meals at least three to four hours before lying down can help reduce reflux. The above measures will probably be more advantageous than abstaining from "acidic" food.
Lastly, persons with severe reflux disease and persons with Barrett's esophagus should take medications to suppress the acid production by the stomch, in addition to the measures outlined above.
For more information regarding reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, click on "Site Search" at the top of this web page, and enter keywords for search such as heartburn, GERD, or Barrett.
I am not familiar with Prelief. However, I browsed the Prelief web page,.It seems that this compound may act as an acid neutralizer in the laboratory, and perhaps in the stomach. It is unclear how long the acid neutralization works, and whether or not it can neutralize the acid that the stomach produces. STOMACH ACID is the main offender in reflux, not the acidic content of food. I do not have enough information to recommend, or not to recommend Prelief.
You are doing all the right things to take good care of your body. Keep up the good work.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution, please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an appointment to be seen with Dr. Tamir Ben-Menachem of the Division of Gastroenterology, one of our experts in the treatment of Barrett's disease and disorders of the esophagus.
HFHS M.D.-tbm
keyword: GERD Barrett's
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