GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic gastrointestinal disease in which the contents of the stomach flow backwards into the esophagus during digestion. Normally, flow between the stomach and the esophagus travels only one way: from the esophagus to the stomach. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus does not have a thick layer of mucous to protect it from the acids used to break down food. As a result, you experience heartburn. Food and beverages, including athletic drinks, are common GERD culprits.
Definition
Athletic drinks are beverages designed to serve the needs of athletes before or during exercise. Athletic drinks contain a low -- 6 to 8 percent -- concentration of glucose, designed to replace carbohydrates burned by working muscles. Electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, help your body absorb glucose and replace losses that sometimes occur during endurance exercise or any exercise under conditions of high heat or humidity. Some athletic drinks contain vitamins and also caffeine, which may enhance performance.
Physical Properties
In the 2004 edition of "Heartburn and Reflux for Dummies," writer Carol Ann Rinzler and gastroenterologist Ken DeVault note that exercise, especially high-impact exercise such as running or jumping, triggers GERD symptoms for many people. This is because stomach contents slosh around and, in some cases, are literally propelled toward the esophagus. For these people, consuming athletic drinks before or during exercise is a bad idea because it means more fluid that can potentially end up in the esophagus.
Chemical Properties
Athletic drinks contain carbohydrate which, according to Rinzler and DeVault, stimulates acid secretion. For some people, the amount of acid secreted is out of proportion to the amount of carbohydrate to be digested, resulting in upset stomach and severe GERD symptoms. Caffeine is also a potent stimulator of acid secretion, and it relaxes the muscles that normally close off the stomach from the esophagus. Rinzler and DeVault say that people with GERD should steer clear of caffeine in any form, including coffee, tea, cola and athletic drinks.
Alternatives
If you are an athlete with GERD, plan ahead. Roberta Larson Duyff, Ph.D., R.D., suggests carbohydrate loading the night before an event by consuming pasta, rice or other carbohydate-rich foods. If you carbohydrate-load the night before, you may not need additional glucose during your event. If you must consume something, Rinzler and DeVault suggest sipping plain water because it does not stimulate acid secretion the way the athletic drinks do.
Considerations
If you experience symptoms despite avoiding athletic drinks or if avoiding athletic drinks significantly impacts your performance, ask your doctor about medications. Even if you do not normally use medication to control your GERD, your doctor may suggest taking medication on the day of your event. Always pack fast-acting antacids such as calcium carbonate with your athletic gear in case you need them. Rinzler and DeVault say that proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers usually take about three hours to work, compared to antacids which start to work on their way down.
References
- MayoClinic.com: GERD: Symptoms
- "American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide;" Roberta Larson Duyff, Ph.D., R.D.; 2006
- "Heartburn and Reflux for Dummies"; Carol Ann Rinzler, M.A. and Ken DeVault, M.D.; 2004
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