What Can You Eat When You Have Barrett's Esophagus?

Barrett's esophagus is a condition where cells in the lining of the esophagus become abnormal and premalignant. According to "Krause's Food, Nutrition & Diet Therapy," it is usually responsible for the incidence and rise in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Barrett's esophagus is a major concern for those with reoccurring gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

Functions of Diet for Barrett's Esophagus

Dietary objectives aim to control and manage GERD, as Barrett's esophagus is usually the result of years of chronic reflux. Dietary goals for an individual with Barrett's esophagus include prevention of reflux, prevention of pain and irritation and decreasing the acidity of gastric secretions.

Foods to Avoid

Large, high-fat meals should be avoided as these lower the integrity of the lower esophageal sphincter, delay gastric emptying and increase acid production. All of these in turn have a direct result of increasing reflux. Consumption of chocolate, alcohol, peppermint and spearmint oils and coffee should also be reduced, as they can promote the effects of increased acid production.

"Krause's Food, Nutrition & Diet Therapy" recommends that if inflammation persists, highly acidic or spicy foods should be also avoided. Acidic foods such as citrus juices, tomtatoes and soft drinks are likely to cause irritation. Effects of spices in Barrett's esophagus pathology is not clear, however it will likely increase irritation as well.

Additional Dietary Considerations

Besides the size of meals, meal timing is also very important for management and control of symptoms. Consumption of food three hours before bed should be avoided. The risk of reflux increases when an individual is reclined, and gastric acid in the stomach reaches a maximum two to three hours after a meal.

Tight fitting clothing, especially after a meal, should also be avoided.

Plenty of water should also be consumed with any medications.

Overweight and Barrett's Esophagus

If you are overweight or obese and have Barrett's esophagus, there should be additional consideration to losing weight. Excess weight will increase the risk for reflux. Following a lower calorie diet with avoidance of common reflux-triggering foods may be well advised.

General Healthy Eating

The Canadian Cancer Society recognizes that for an individual with Barrett's esophagus, there is an increased risk for esophageal cancer if not treated properly. A diet that emphasizes plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and has limited intakes of higher fat foods, alcohol, and processed foods is important for the prevention of all cancers for all individuals.