Low Carbohydrate Diet improves GERD symptoms

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Copyright 2006 Obesity & Diabetes Week via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net
Obesity & Diabetes Week
October 23, 2006
SECTION: EXPANDED REPORTING; Pg. 73

LENGTH: 393 words

HEADLINE: DIET & NUTRITION;
Very low-carbohydrate diet improves gastroesophageal reflux and its symptoms in obese

BODY:


A very low-carbohydrate diet improves gastroesophageal reflux and its symptoms in obese.

According to a study from the United States, "Obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may experience resolution of symptoms utilizing a very low-carbohydrate diet. The mechanism of this improvement is unknown. This studied aimed to prospectively assess changes in distal esophageal acid exposure and GERD symptoms among obese adults initiating a very low-carbohydrate diet."

"We studied obese individuals with GERD initiating a diet containing less than 20 g/day of carbohydrates. Symptom severity was assessed using the GERD Symptom Assessment Scale-Distress Subscale (GSAS-ds). Participants underwent 24-hr esophageal pH probe testing and initiated the diet upon its completion. Within 6 days, a second pH probe test was performed. Outcomes included changes in the Johnson-DeMeester score, percentage total time with a pH <4 in the distal esophagus, and GSAS-ds scores. Eight participants were enrolled," described G.L. Austin and colleagues, University of North Carolina.

The results showed, "Mean Johnson-DeMeester score decreased from 34.7 to 14.0 (p=0.023). Percentage time with pH <4 decreased from 5.1% to 2.5% (p=0.022). Mean GSAS-ds score decreased from 1.28 to 0.72 (p=0.0004)."

The researchers concluded, "These data suggest that a very low-carbohydrate diet in obese individuals with GERD significantly reduces distal esophageal acid exposure and improves symptoms."

Austin and colleagues published their study in Digestive Diseases and Sciences (A very low-carbohydrate diet improves gastroesophageal reflux and its symptoms. Dig Dis Sci, 2006;51(:1307-1312).

For more information, contact G.L. Austin, University of North Carolina, Division Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Bioinformat Bldg, CB 7080, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Publisher contact information for the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences is: Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 Gz Dordrecht, Netherlands.
LowKeywords: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, Diet and Nutrition, Digestive Disease, Esophageal, Gastroenterology, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gastrointestinal, Obesity, Very Low Carbohydrate Diet.

This article was prepared by Obesity & Diabetes Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Obesity & Diabetes Week via NewsRx.com.

LOAD-DATE: October 23, 2006

[dotsamantha]

I can speak for this for sure. I always thought my gerd was from acidic foods like tomatoes and so one. About a week after starting the wol, no more reflux.

[2big4mysize]

again seems the rest of the medical world is finaslly catching up to Dr Atkins knowledge.

[MotherOfGizmo]

8 participants is a very small study! Unfortunatley I have GERD/Refractory Reflux Disease and Barrett's Esophogus. I really honestly haven't seen a whole lot of improvement due to a low carb diet. But I'm glad it works for some people! I sure would love to find a way to be able to stop having to take all these prescription medications!

[MustLose80]

I just found out I have Silent Gerd... I never knew it existed. You would think I would know about it, but I rarely have symptoms and apparently it has caused some damage over quite a few years. I hope it helps me to be on this, because for now, I must take pills. I just got the prescription and haven't even filled it yet.

I went to the doctor because food gets stuck in my throat and I cannot swallow and sometimes it is a matter of choking and vomiting. The reason it turns out, is damage to my esphagus due to the acid reflux and the raw irritated tissues will not let the food go down and it gets stuck.

[Qjakal]

Originally Posted by MotherOfGizmo

8 participants is a very small study! Unfortunatley I have GERD/Refractory Reflux Disease and Barrett's Esophogus. I really honestly haven't seen a whole lot of improvement due to a low carb diet. But I'm glad it works for some people! I sure would love to find a way to be able to stop having to take all these prescription medications!

I battled for years, and then finally had the gall bladder removed.
Laproscopic surgery was a breeze. Best thing I've EVER done although I hated the idea like poison. Was back playing racquetball in less than a week and haven't had a bit of trouble in the 4 years since...goodbye pillbox!

Might want to at least discuss it with your primary as an option!

I think I struggled because the gall bladder problem is normally considered a female/forties issue and I'm sadly macho when it comes to things like this..lol.

Q