A physiological dietary regime for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease – a pilot study

37th Congress of IUPS (Birmingham, UK) (2013) Proc 37th IUPS, PCC200

Poster Communications: A physiological dietary regime for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease – a pilot study

M. A. Randhawa1, S. M. Mahfouz2, N. A. Salem3, T. Yar4, A. Gillessen5

1. Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. 2. Endoscopy, King Faisal Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. 3. Endoscopy, King Faisal Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. 4. Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. 5. Internal Medicine, Sacred Heart Hospital, Muenster, Germany.

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The occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing (1). Drug treatment is risky, particularly, in long term use, which is required in most cases. Irregular dietary habits possess strongest association with GERD (2). Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) are important cause of GERD. Gastric distention in upper stomach is the strongest stimulus for generation of TLESRs and is aggravated by intake of food in between meals (3). Considering pathophysiology of GERD, it is suggested that increasing interval between meals will reduce reflux episodes. The present pilot study was conducted on 20 patients, outpatients in Sacred Heart Hospital, Muenster, Germany and King Faisal Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. All had heartburn symptoms and endoscopically proven reflux oesophagitis, Los Angeles grad a, b or c. They were offered to take two meals per day plus only soft drinks in between. On day 14 they were contacted to ensure compliance on study criteria, two meals per day and no medication; and evaluated for pain, heartburn and reflux during last two weeks. Patients, 9 males and 11 females, were aged between 15 and 68 years and continued our suggested meal regimen for two weeks. On day 14th 15 (75%) were free of pain and heartburn, etc, 2 (10%) had partial improvement and 3 (15%) reported no difference. Those who did not respond were advised omeprazole or ranitidine for further treatment. Results revealed that two meals a day and only soft drinks in between, was an effective and physiological dietary regimen for the management of GERD in 75% of cases.



Where applicable, experiments conform with Society ethical requirements.

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