Cranberry Juice & Ulcers Or Gerd

Avoiding certain foods and beverages helps relieve symptoms caused by ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD. However, people respond differently to foods and drinks. You may have your own specific triggers that aggravate ulcer or GERD symptoms. Cranberry juice is acidic and may increase the risk of symptoms, but the juice also contains properties to protect the digestive system. You may have to experiment with cranberry juice to see if it fits in your diet.

Lining Damage

Ulcers create sores on the lining of your digestive tract. Gastric ulcers occur in the stomach. Duodenal ulcers affect the duodenum, a portion of your intestines. Esophageal ulcers appear in the esophagus. Esophageal damage and ulcers can result from frequent acid reflux over time. Experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week indicates GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Benefits and Hazards

An infection from the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, causes ulcers. Research suggests that cranberry may inhibit the growth of H. pylori, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Cranberry juice has also been found to relieve burning sensations for patients with urinary tract infections. However, acidic juices may worsen ulcers by burning the lining of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. Acidic contents in liquids and foods also worsen symptoms of acid reflux.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux causes the burning or painful sensation of heartburn in your upper chest and throat. You may also experience an acidic or sour taste in the back of your mouth from stomach acid backup. Certain foods and beverages trigger acid reflux by relaxing an esophageal muscle, the ring-like muscle that usually opens as contents enter the stomach and then contracts. A relaxed muscle does not contract properly, allowing acidic contents to rise up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Triggers

Spicy foods, chocolate, black pepper, chili powder, caffeine and alcohol can aggravate symptoms of acid reflux and ulcers. Fatty or fried foods and overeating also increase the risk of acid reflux. Cranberry juice is sometimes mentioned as a drink to avoid by some sources to reduce or prevent acid reflux. It may just depend on how your body responds to cranberry juice. Some people may not experience symptoms from cranberry juice, while others do.

Food Journal

Keep a food journal for a week to determine your triggers. Note the foods and beverages you consume, the time of day and the symptoms you experience afterward. This will help you eliminate items that trigger symptoms. You may be able to continue enjoying cranberry juice by eliminating your triggers. Eating small, frequent meals instead of three large meals during the day aids digestion and reduces symptoms of ulcers and GERD. Continue to consult your doctor for medical and dietary advice.