Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an extremely common condition characterized by reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Under normal circumstances, after ingestion, a muscular ring called the Lower Οισοφαγικός Clamp (CEC) relaxes to allow food and liquids to enter the stomach and then tightened to prevent the contents of the stomach to flow back into the esophagus. However, in people with GERD, this mechanism is impaired, allowing the stomach acid, bile, and sometimes so food to flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
Symptomatic GERD
- Upset stomach, heartburn: a burning sensation that starts from the stomach or lower chest and extends to the cervix
- Reductions
- Chest pain of non-cardiac etiology
- Hoarseness
- Dysphagia
- Laryngitis
- Chronic cough
- Salivary hypersecretion
Underlying Etiology of functional disorders of the CEC
- Genetic factors (interpret 31-43% in studies of twins)
- Environmental factors
- Overweight / obesity
- Wrong dietary habits
- In the absence of physical activity
- Smoking
Overweight/Obesity and GERD
Possible Mechanisms
- Visceral obesity -> increase in intraventricular pressure.
- Slower clearance of acid into the esophagus
- Relaxation CEC (the most important mechanism of reflux in obese) due to gastric distension.
Αντιπαλινδρομικές Instructions
- Weight Loss
- Avoid drugs that reduce the pressure of the LEL (e.x. nitrates, anticholinergics) or cause damage to the esophageal epithelium (e.x. Non-Steroidal anti-Inflammatory Drugs, PO formulations of potassium, tetracyclines)
- Avoid sprawling if you don't have spent 2 hours of the meal
- Lifting of the upper part of the bed
- Avoid clothing that squeezes the stomach (e.x. zones)
- Occasional use of antacids
- Appropriate eating habits
- The bed on the left side, probably to help some patients.
Dietary Guidelines
Limited (not prohibited):
- Sour: (bitter juices, sour fruit, vinegar). The ξινούς juice is citric acid.
- Fat (remove the visible fat and avoid fried foods).
- Heavy red sauces: Eat red foods, but with light sauces that means less tomato paste (paste), spices, onions and garlic.
- Pies with leaves: Avoid, particularly those of Fast Food.
- Fat soups: Especially in the evening the fat, and the volume of liquid soups, particularly facilitate the return of stomach contents into the esophagus.
- Desserts with syrup
- Chocolates (plate or drink). Not large amounts, and especially not right before bed to bed.
- Mint and everything containing. (and Spearmint that belongs to the same family)
- Heavy alcohol or large amounts lightest alcohol (as is the wine and beer)
- Carbonated drinks
- Recommended frequent small meals.
While Gastroesophageal reflux Disease can affect quality of life, it is a manageable condition with the right approach. Making the right dietary choices, applying modifications to the way of life and working closely with health professionals, people with GERD can effectively manage the symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Remember, finding the right combination of adjustments to diet and lifestyle can take some time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts to find the one that works best for you.
