Top 5 Common Misconceptions About Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid repeatedly backs up into the esophagus. Acid reflux can occur when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (the Lower Esophageal Sphincter) relaxes at the wrong time, which leads to the “reflux” of the stomach contents into the esophagus. After a meal, the stomach contents are often acidic and this reflux can cause burning in the chest or upper abdomen. This sensation is commonly referred to as “heartburn”, however not everyone with acid reflux experiences heartburn! Other symptoms of acid reflux may include nausea, throat soreness, a globulous sensation in the throat, voice horseness, bitter or sour taste in the mouth, upper abdominal pain or pain under the ribcage.
While acid reflux is a common condition, experienced by approximately 20% of all US adults, there are many misconceptions about it. Let’s break down the top 5 misconceptions of acid reflux:
1. Acid reflux is caused by eating spicy food.
Not exactly. Spicy food can trigger acid reflux in some people, however, it is not the only cause of acid reflux. There are many potential root causes of acid reflux that we must assess for including Lower Esophageal sphincter issues, Hiatal Hernia, H Pylori infection, slow motility, esophageal motility issues, thyroid dysfunction, chronic stress or nervous system dysregulation, or even disordered eating.
There are also many other common food triggers besides spicy foods including acidic foods such as citrus, tomato, and vinegar, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. However, it is important to note that foods are not the cause of acid reflux, rather they can exacerbate current symptoms. Additionally, other lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, and lying down after eating can also increase the risk of acid reflux.
2. There is no cure for acid reflux.
While there is no single cure for acid reflux, there are many treatments and lifestyle habits that can help eliminate or manage symptoms. Some individuals may utilize medications as a short term or long term approach for acid reflux, but often medications are not enough on their own. When we are able to identify the root causes of our reflux, this can help us to create a personalized and effective treatment plan (see my YouTube video on root causes of acid reflux). Your reflux treatment plan may include lifestyle changes, such as identifying your unique trigger foods, eating balanced meals throughout the day, mastering your mealtime hygiene, and consistent stress management.
3. If I have acid reflux, I’ll never be able to incorporate my favorite foods again.
False. One of my favorite things EVER is to help my clients reintroduce their favorite foods! Once we get symptoms under better control, we identify your unique trigger foods and your “threshold amounts”. The concept of threshold amounts means that small portions of certain triggers may actually not cause symptoms if kept in low amounts. Portion size is everything with the reflux triggers. For example, a few tomatoes in a salad may be totally okay vs a large bowl of marinara may not be. Identifying your triggers and personalizing your diet is key.
4. Acid reflux is not serious.
False. Acid reflux can be a serious condition if it is not treated or managed correctly. Complications of acid reflux can include ulcers, bleeding, esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus) and Barrett's esophagus, which can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. It’s essential to seek treatment if you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms.
5. Acid reflux is a lifelong struggle.
Absolutely false. I have helped hundreds of people overcome their symptoms or drastically reduce them. There are a number of things you can do to prevent acid reflux, such as:
Identifying your trigger foods
Alter meal patterns to consume dinner 3 hours before bed
Developing a flexible meal schedule to prevent going too long in between meals and getting overfull
Developing mealtime hygiene strategies such as good chewing and good posture during a meal / after meals
Elevating the head of your bed by 6 inches
Reduce smoking & alcohol consumption if applicable
Managing stress - this is KEY! Stress can cause or worsen acid reflux.
If you are experiencing acid reflux, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. With proper treatment from doctors & specialists such as a dietitian, you can manage your symptoms and prevent reflux-related complications.
The Role of a Dietitian in Managing Acid Reflux
A dietitian is a board-certified healthcare professional with expertise in nutrition and its impact on health conditions, including acid reflux and GERD. By collaborating with a dietitian, you gain access to personalized guidance and strategies tailored to your unique needs and triggers/symptoms. Dietitians can offer nutrition advice and counseling, whereas nutritionists do not have the credentials to do so. Often, dietitians and nutritionists are terms used interchangeably, yet there is quite a difference as dietitians offer medical counseling and nutrition guidance.
The Reflux Relief program was created to help combat symptoms of acid reflux & GERD, as well as give you the tools to start living your fullest life. In this program, you’ll receive 1:1 support, personalized acid reflux healing protocol, 24/7 message access, and many more exclusive resources to finally learn how to heal your acid reflux naturally!
Click the link below to request a free discovery call to learn more about the Reflux Relief Program! I’ve been able to help myself, as well as hundreds of people, prevent and manage their acid reflux. I can’t wait to help you too!
References
Fass, R., & Shaheen, N. J. (2013). Gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Lancet, 382(9904), 1592-1603.
Shaheen, N. J., Richter, J. E., & Fass, R. (2017). Updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 112(3), 389-414.
Vaezi, M. F., & Richter, J. E. (2014). Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterology, 146(6), 1392-1405.
Antunes C, Aleem A, Curtis SA. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; July 3, 2023.
Yamasaki T, Hemond C, Eisa M, Ganocy S, Fass R. The Changing Epidemiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Are Patients Getting Younger?. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018;24(4):559-569. doi:10.5056/jnm18140
