What is GERD?

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

GERD is a digestive disorder that affects your lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES). This ring of muscle forms a valve where your esophagus and stomach meet. When you swallow, food or drink travel down your esophagus and the LES opens to allow food into your stomach. After the swallow is complete, the LES shuts. This prevents stomach acid from flowing up into your esophagus. 

However, for people with GERD, the LES muscle does not work properly. If the LES weakens or doesn’t close tightly enough, stomach acid can escape back up into your esophagus. This is known as acid reflux. The pain is usually felt behind your breastbone, or in your neck or throat. It can leave a bitter or sour taste in your mouth or make it feel like food is coming back up into your throat. The burning pain can last for as long as 2 hours. Lying down or bending over usually make it worse. While heartburn is the common sign of GERD, it can come with other symptoms.

Symptoms of GERD:

  • Heartburn

  • Regurgitation of acid or food

  • Nighttime reflux and sleep disturbances

  • Nausea

  • Indigestion after meals

  • Chest pain

  • Sore throat

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Coughing or feeling the need to constantly clear your throat

  • Tooth enamel erosion

Poorly controlled GERD can lead to:

  • Damage to your esophagus

    • Increased risk of dysmotility, esophagitis, ulcers, strictures, Barrett's esophagus, or esophageal cancer.

  • Tooth Decay

    • Increased tooth sensitivity, increased risk of tooth loss

  • Chronic Cough

  • Lung Conditions

Anyone can develop GERD, however some people are at a higher risk:

  • Pregnancy

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)

  • Connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus

  • Diabetes

  • Hiatal Hernia

  • Certain medications

    • Some antibiotics, asthma medications, NSAIDS, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, blood pressure medications, and bisphosphonates.

  • Smoking, alcohol, unhealthy eating patterns can also aggravate GERD.

Why should you meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for GERD?

Diet and lifestyle are important contributors to GERD management. Some foods relax the LES muscle and/or irritate the esophagus which can worsen GERD symptoms. A Registered Dietitian can help you learn which foods to limit when diagnosed with GERD to improve your symptoms. A Dietitian will also support you with lifestyle recommendations such as alterations to sleeping positions, meal timing or weight management to help reduce GERD symptoms.

To book with a dietician click HERE

Book Now