Barrett's syndrome, or Barrett's esophagus, occurs in a small percentage of people who suffer from chronic acid reflux. Over time, the frequent presence of digestive acids in your esophagus, the passage from your mouth to your stomach, can cause potentially cancerous changes in the structures of the cells of your esophageal lining. Modifications in your diet may ease the pain and esophageal inflammation of Barrett's syndrome and stop the tissue damage that characterizes this condition.
After an Endoscopy
In gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, a malfunction in the opening between your stomach and esophagus allows digestive acids to rise from your stomach. Over time, these acids can damage the cells of your lower esophagus, leaving scars that narrow your esophagus and make it difficult to swallow solid foods. Your doctor may order an endoscopy -- a procedure that can detect the presence of precancerous tissues in your esophagus -- and a biopsy to detect changes in your esophageal cells. After an endoscopy and biopsy, your doctor may recommend that you avoid solid foods and follow a liquid diet for 24 hours, or until your sore throat, chest discomfort or nausea improve. On a liquid diet, you can have water, broth, clear juices, ice pops and gelatin. As your discomfort subsides, your doctor may allow you to progress to thickened liquids and soft solids until you're ready to advance to a regular diet.
Gastric Irritants
Avoiding foods that increase stomach acid production or promote acid reflux may stop the esophageal damage that leads to Barrett's syndrome, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Greasy or fatty foods, highly spiced dishes, acidic fruits and vegetables, chocolate and garlic trigger acid reflux in many people who have GERD. Replacing coffee, tea and caffeinated soda with non-caffeinated beverages like water, non-acidic juices and herbal tea may prevent heartburn. Eliminating alcohol and nicotine may help you avoid acid reflux.
Weight Control
Being overweight, especially in your abdominal area, can increase pressure on your stomach and push digestive acids into your esophagus. Following a low-fat diet based on vegetables and fruits, whole grains and legumes, with smaller amounts of lean meat and dairy products, allows you to lose weight gradually. Eating small meals with scheduled snacks in between may help you avoid eating too much at one sitting, which promotes acid reflux and weight gain.
Nutritional Support
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables every day may reduce your risk of developing Barrett's syndrome, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of "The American Journal of Gastroenterology." The study evaluated the relationship between diet and GERD, and Barrett's esophagus. The research indicates that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides antioxidant compounds and vitamins that may prevent Barrett's syndrome and counteract the tissue changes that lead to esophageal cancer. The results of this study suggest that dietary supplements do not provide the same preventive benefits as fruits and vegetables.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Barrett's Esophagus: Most Often a Result of GERD; Aug. 14, 2009
- Drugs.com: Barrett's Esophagus (Discharge Care) -- Care Guide
- "The American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Dietary Antioxidants, Fruits and Vegetables, and the Risk of Barrett's Esophagus; Ai Kubo, Ph.D., et al.; July, 2008
- "Endoscopic Therapy for Barrett's Esophagus"; Sampliner, Richard E., M.D.; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Barrett's Esophagus: Treatment; Dec. 12, 2007
