The rate of acid reflux afflicts millions of individuals in the U.S and research indicates that excess weight usually contributes significantly. At Gastrodoxs, we think that all people are entitled to clear and friendly suggestions on how to feel better. Here, we discuss the relationship between obesity and acid reflux, and provide easy hints about diet to lifestyle and how we can help the people of Houston and elsewhere to get some relief.
Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid is refluxed back up into the esophagus. It may be what you called heartburn. Common signs include:
When symptoms are experienced more than twice weekly it becomes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The Mayo Clinic claims that the lining of the esophagus may become damaged in the process of GERD.
Being overweight, particularly the belly, alters the mechanism of your digestive system. This is the manner in which obesity exacerbates acid reflux:
Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a gastroenterologist based in Houston, says that excess weight in a patient can decrease the LES barrier function due to the high pressure in the abdominal region. Consequently, acid will be prone to backwash leading to increased and increasingly frequent heartburn.
This is one of the most frequent questions that we get and it is, Does losing weight help relieve acid reflux? The answer is yes. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a reduction of 5-10 percent of weight can reduce by half the reflux symptoms. (source: NIH)
Key points:
The patients that lose some weight always complain of reduced heartburn according to Dr. Pothuri. There are over-the-counter medicines that may be effective in weight loss without side effects.
It requires thinking through having a diet to address acid reflux and weight loss. Here are the tips on selecting the meals that will relax your stomach and slim you:
The right ingredients can be a difference of the world. Our list of foods to eat with acid reflux, as well as a brief avoid list, follows below.
Tip: Keep a food diary. Record every meal and symptom. You will be able to see what induces reflux.
There are cases when individuals lose weight without making any effort. This unaccounted weight loss acid reflux correlation may be a warning sign. When you can observe any changes in weight suddenly accompanied by reflux, contact your doctor. Possible causes include:
The advice of Dr. Pothuri is as follows: unaccounted weight loss along with severe reflux can be an indication of such conditions as Barretts esophagus or even early stage cancer. Don't ignore it. Get checked.
| Critical | High-Risk (Obese) | Healthy Weight |
| Abdominal Pressure | Abnormal (increase in the number of refluxes) | Normal (no pressure on the stomach) |
| LES Function | Weak | Strong |
| Speed of digestion | Slow | Irregular |
| Frequency of Symptoms | 4-7 times/week | 2 times/week or less |
| Esophagus inflammation | High in general | Low in general |
| Response to Weight Loss | Considerable reduction of reflux symptoms | Stable |
In addition to diet and weight loss, basic habits can relieve the symptoms:
We are delighted to serve The Heights, Katy, Sugar Land, and Pearland among other areas of Houston and nearby surroundings at Gastrodoxs.com. If you need one-on-one support:
Acid reflux and obesity are known to be very intertwined but the good thing is that you can separate the two. Enhanced heartburn can be minimized by making sensible weight loss, using smart meal choices, and simple lifestyle changes, which will leave you feeling better every day. It is what Dr. Bharat Pothuri said: small steps bring big changes.To learn more and get some help, it is better to visit Gastrodoxs.com or contact a reliable Houston gastroenterology clinic. Goodbye, to a happier, healthier you!
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Go lean with proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, and portions.
Yes. Symptoms can be minimized even by a small percentage loss of weight (5-10).
In severe cases, yes. Malabsorption and chronic nausea could be a factor.
Most individuals feel relieved, after 4-8 weeks of constant weight loss.
Eat protein food that are lean and do not use greasy or spicy seasonings.
Bananas, oatmeal, yogurt, grilled chicken, steamed vegetables.
Absolutely. A large meal places a stress on the LES irrespective of the body weight.
Vigorous exercises such as jumping are possible. In lieu, choose walking, swimming or yoga.
Yes. See a gastroenterologist such as Dr. Bharat Pothuri when the changes of lifestyle do not work.
Contact the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to get valid information.
