Diet gun

In Barrett’s esophagus, there is a replacement of the normal cells of the lower part of the esophagus by another type of cell.

The risk factors for developing Barrett’s esophagus are mainly smoking, gastroesophageal acid reflux at a weekly frequency, an increased body mass index usually above 30 and gastroesophageal reflux for more than 5 years.

Barrett’s Esophagus is a benign condition and is usually treated with medication and if symptoms persist, antireflux surgery can be performed, which in some cases can completely cure Barrett’s esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus does not cause any specific symptoms. A percentage of patients may have the usual symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, such as: heartburn, burning in the chest, vomiting after eating and difficulty swallowing.

Diet and Barrett’s Esophagus

Diet, along with appropriate treatment that inhibits the production of acid from the stomach, does not usually cure Barrett’s esophagus, but it prevents its worsening.

It will help prevent gastroesophageal reflux from getting worse if we avoid the following:
1. Very fatty foods and foods such as bacon, cold cuts, fatty beef or pork, fatty cheeses, fried foods, mayonnaise, salad dressings, butter.

2. Citrus fruits and citrus juices.

3. Tomatoes and tomato juice

4. Garlic, onion

5. Potato chips and processed snacks

6. Coffee and caffeinated drinks (e.g. energy drinks)

7. Alcohol

8. Chocolate and mint

9. Hot spices

10. Carbonated drinks

Also avoid eating shortly before going to bed and avoid eating large meals as well as lying down immediately after eating. Losing weight and maintaining it at healthy levels for the body as well as quitting smoking will really help a lot.

Sources of the article
Diet and risk of Barrett’s oesophagus: Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study
Diet and risk of Barrett’s oesophagus: Melbourne collaborative cohort study
Barrett’s Esophagus: An Updated Review
Diagnosis and Management of Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus