Acid Reflux and Diet

GERD is a disease with chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Heartburn (burning discomfort behind the breastbone) is the major symptom of GERD because the gastric acid gets into esophagus.

It is known that fatty foods can produce a prolonged inhibitory effect on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), thus increase the possibility of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER). Gastric distention following a copious meal also relaxes LER and increases the possibility of GER too.

Had these mechanisms play big roles in the patients studied by Dr Corazziari, then the overweight male patients (not just female) should also have a significant higher possibility of GERD than general population.

Since oestrogen can also inhibit the LES, Dr. Corazziari suggests that concentration of this hormone may be a possible explanation of increased GERD prevalence in obese females.