Your esophagus is a highly muscular hollow tube that conveys food into your stomach for digestion. Several points of narrowing occur along the course of a normal esophagus, including where your esophagus pierces your diaphragm. These are normal and do not interfere with swallowing. However, certain conditions can cause difficulty swallowing. Dietary changes may help to prevent and possibly to treat such damage, but talk to your doctor first to see if changing your diet would be beneficial for you.
Esophageal Stenosis
Esophageal stenosis is the medical term describing a thickening of the esophagus that interferes with its ability to expand and receive food. Consequently, food may become stuck midway down the esophagus -- giving rise to chest pain, often described as heartburn -- and nausea. Stenosis is often the result of gastroesophageal reflux, known also simply as reflux, or GERD.
GERD
Reflux is usually seen in adults over the age of 40, but sometimes can occur in children and young adults. In this condition, excessive stomach acid backwashes, or refluxes, into the esophagus, damaging it and causing narrowing. Your doctor may urge you to avoid foods high in acid, such as coffee, tomatoes and fried foods, according to the text "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment." In addition, items such as coffee, alcohol and chocolate relax the esophageal sphincter, which is the muscular ring connecting the esophagus to the stomach. This can contribute to reflux.
Anti-Stenosis Foods
If you have a narrowed esophagus, it is wise to avoid large mouthfuls of concentrated food, which have a tendency to become stuck, according to the book "Pathologic Basis of Disease." Concentrated food is low in water content and includes animal products and grains. Sipping water with these foods may make swallowing easier. Plant-based foods have a high water content, which makes them easier to swallow. It is a good idea, therefore, to emphasize fresh fruits and large salads.
Anti-GERD Foods
Reflux can cause or worsen esophageal narrowing. If you experience reflux, it helps to avoid trigger foods that are acidic or cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, as noted above. In addition, foods high in protein can increase your stomach's acid levels, according to the text "Biochemstry." Animal protein is particularly acid-forming, while vegetable protein as found in beans and leafy green vegetables is not. It also helps to drink a large glass of water before meals, which reduces the degree of stomach acidity and can make reflux less severe.
References
- "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment"; Stephen J. McPhee, M.D.; 2011
- "Biochemistry"; Richard A. Harvey, Ph.D.; 2010
- "Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar, M.D.; 2005
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