Acid reflux disease, also known as heartburn, occurs when the stomach backs up its contents into the esophagus, and then the mouth. All of the stomach acids can cause inflammation of the esophagus, which then tears down the lining in the throat and mouth. In addition to damage to the esophagus, acid reflux can lead to poor nutrient absorption and several nutritional problems. In some cases, these problems can be managed with a specialized treatment plan and dietary changes.
Significance
Acid reflux disease is a chronic condition that can begin at any time. Injury to the esophagus can make it impossible for the patient to absorb vital nutrients, produce saliva, or swallow properly. This can lead to physical problems including hormonal imbalances, extreme weight loss because of poor nutrient absorption, lack of vital nutrients and minerals in the body and also increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
Nutritional Deficiences
Some of the most significant nutritional deficiencies associated with acid reflux syndrome include: lack of electrolytes; low levels of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract; inability to metabolize protein; inability to break down acidic foods; and poor fat metabolism.
Other Effects
In addition to nutritional deficiency, sufferers of acid reflux disease may experience several symptoms throughout the day including: a burning sensation in the middle of the chest; pain or burning the middle of the abdomen; dry cough; difficulty swallowing; asthma attacks and even difficulty breathing after a meal. These are all symptoms that point to acid reflux disease and must be addressed by a physician as soon as possible.
Treatments
Acid reflux disease can be treated with dietary modifications (see Section 5), surgery, and/or medication. Lifestyle changes include wearing loose-fitting clothes; reducing body weight to maintain a healthy weight range; eating small, well-balanced meals throughout the day; using antacids sparingly to improve digestion and relieve heartburn; and eliminating the smoking habit. If lifestyle changes, diet modifications and medication do not work, the sufferer may need to undergo surgery. Surgery will help to restore healthy stomach functioning and may help increase nutrient absorption, thereby reducing the risk of nutritional problems.
Diet Modifications
Certain foods can make acid reflux worse. This is because they contain high levels of natural acids, which the acid reflux patient cannot digest or metabolize properly. Foods that can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse include citrus fruits; garlic and onions; spicy foods; caffeinated and alcoholic drinks; chocolate and tomato-based foods. People suffering from acid reflux disease should reduce or eliminate these foods from their diet and eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to ensure complete digestion and better nutrient absorption.
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