Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets, such as the Atkins and South Beach weight loss plans, may help alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These popular weight loss plans seek to reduce the amount of simple carbohydrates in people’s diets. Simple carbohydrates include sugars, refined flours and grains (white flour, white rice), and certain fruits. The diets also limit acidic foods including fruits, tomatoes, and chocolate.
Acidic foods and simple carbohydrates can be triggers for reflux, as the body produces extra acid to help digest them. Meanwhile, high fiber foods like whole grains are encouraged in these meal plans. These complex carbohydrates move more quickly through the digestive system so less acid builds up in the stomach.
Few studies have been done on the subject of GERD and low-carb eating, but many personal testimonials indicate that the change in eating habits after embarking on a low-carb diet seems to reduce symptoms of heartburn dramatically.
One small study, published by Dr. W.S. Yancy Jr. in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, analyzed five case studies of GERD sufferers who chose to go on a low-carb diet. All five patients experienced resolution of their symptoms within one week. The researchers were not able to provide a definitive explanation for the drastic change. They suggested that the new diet may have affected hormones related to the acid production process. However, factors other than reduced carbs may also have contributed to their improvement. Acidic foods are limited during the early phases of the diet, and three of the five patients also decreased their intake of caffeine, another trigger.
No large-scale, randomized studies have been conducted on this subject yet.
Being overweight is another factor for reflux, so a diet resulting in weight loss may result in long-term improvement as well.
Although the news may be promising for GERD sufferers, those who embark on high-protein eating plans need to watch for other reflux triggers in their diets. High fat foods can often trigger GERD symptoms, and a lack of dietary fiber can cause other digestive problems.
