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Gastrointestinal disorders

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Is a common condition and is experienced at least once a month by more than 60 million Americans, and twice a week by 20% of American adults
• Untreated, it may cause esophageal problems including esophageal ulcers which may lead to cancer of the esophagus

What factors affect GERD?

• Trigger foods: fried, fatty, spicy, citrus, chocolate, peppermint, carbonated beverages, fruit juice, garlic, onions, tomato-based foods (chili, pizza, spaghetti)
• Certain meds: some anti-inflammatory, some muscle relaxants and some high blood pressure meds
• Hiatal hernia
• Smoking
• Large meals
• Caffeine
• Pregnancy
• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Being overweight

What are the symptoms of GERD?

• Heartburn – increase with eating, bending over or lying down
• Belching a sour-tasting liquid
• Regurgitation – bringing up food contents back into the mouth
• Constantly clearing throat/coughing
• Sore throat
• Dental disease
• Nausea/vomiting
• Hoarseness, loss of voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Asthma/pneumonia

What can I do?

• Change eating habits - avoid foods that trigger GERD such as: fried, fatty, spicy, citrus, chocolate, peppermint, carbonated beverages, fruit juice, garlic, onions, tomato-based foods (chili, pizza, spaghetti), eat at least 3 hours before bedtime, eat small frequent meals and stay upright after eating
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Sleep upright – elevate head of bed with blocks 4-6 inches
• Discuss your concerns/symptoms with your primary care provider

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Affects 25-45 million people in the U.S. which is 10-15% of the population
• One in 5 Americans has IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors
• Occurs more often in women. (3 to 1)
• Is the most common GI disorder for which women seek attention
• Usually begins around age 20-30 with the first symptoms beginning in the teen years
• Menses can worsen the symptoms
• Is a chronic disease, but can be managed with lifestyle modifications
• Can affect quality of life

What may cause IBS?

• Trigger foods: fatty, barley, wheat, rye, chocolate, milk products
• Carbonated beverages
• Low fiber diet
• Certain medications
• Stress/emotional upset/conflict
• Alcohol
• Large meals
• Caffeine

What are the signs of IBS?

• Cramping, abdominal pain (following meals or relieved after bowel movement)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal tenderness
• Constipation/diarrhea (may alternate)
• Bloating, distended abdomen
• Loss of appetite

What can I do?

• Change eating habits – increase fiber intake, decrease carbonated beverages, drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, decrease intake of trigger foods: fatty, barley, wheat, rye, chocolate, milk products, smaller more frequent low fat meals (4-5 meals per day) and stop chewing gum
• Stress management – meditation, relaxation, counseling, support
• Exercise – 30-60 minutes of exercise 5-7 days a week
• Adequate sleep
• Biofeedback or acupuncture
• Discuss your concerns/symptoms with your primary care provider

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