Suffering From Gerd? Here’s a Diet That May Help

Do you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD? This is a common condition where acid from the stomach moves back into the esophagus – causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms including heartburn, chest discomfort, and a sour taste in the mouth. The main cause of this condition is laxity of the esophageal sphincter – the flap that separates the stomach and esophagus. The symptoms of acid reflux disease can be worsened by eating fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol – among others. Now, a study shows that eliminating foods containing gluten from the diet may also help the symptoms of acid reflux disease.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a special type of protein found in many whole grains and cereals. Some people who have celiac disease are so sensitive to gluten that it causes intestinal damage which leads to maladsorption of nutrients and vitamins. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies along with a variety of unpleasant intestinal symptoms.

GERD and Gluten: What’s the Association?

According to a study published on the Medscape website, people with symptoms of acid reflux disease or GERD who were treated with prescription medications known as proton pump inhibitors responded better to the medications when they ate a gluten free diet. Even after these medications were discontinued, those who ate a gluten free diet were less likely to experience recurrence of their symptoms compared to a control group who didn’t. Researchers aren’t exactly sure how a gluten free diet helps the symptoms of acid reflux. Foods containing gluten slow down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach which can increase the symptoms of acid reflux.

GERD and Gluten: Will a Gluten Free Diet Help?

If you have GERD are you likely to benefit from a gluten free diet? It’s possible – even if you don’t have celiac disease. The best way to find out is to try a gluten-free diet for four weeks and see if your symptoms improve. Keep a diary of your symptoms over a four week period to keep track of your symptoms.

Become familiar with foods that contain gluten by printing out a list on the internet so you can avoid them during your four week test period. You can also find lists of gluten free foods to serve as replacements. At the end of the four week period if you’ve shown improvement in the symptoms of acid reflux, continue the gluten free diet long term with your doctor’s permission. Be sure to consult your doctor before discontinuing prescription medications for GERD.