What is Barrett's Disease? What are the foods to avoid in such case

A Barrett’s Esophagus is a complication that occurs during a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). During the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the acid in the stomach rises to the esophagus causing acid reflux chest pain. In such cases, the normal tissues in the food pipe (esophagus) change into the tissues similar to that of the intestine. Among the people who experience GERD symptoms, about 10% develop the Barrett’s Esophagus complication.

There are no specific symptoms for Barrett’s esophagus. However, the patients suffering from Barrett’s esophagus might have GERD related symptoms. Such a complication can increase the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, cancer in the esophagus.

The Barret’s esophagus is a rare disease. However, the risk of cancer associated with it is very high. Hence, once being diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, it is essential to undergo routine examinations.

Barrett's Disease Foods to Avoid

The patients diagnosed with Barrett’s disease must take care of the foods they consume. The barrow’s disease foods to avoid are listed below.

1.     Beverages: Beverages such as alcohol and coffee often relax the muscular band present at the end of the esophagus. If this muscle does not close back tightly, the contents of the stomach are very much likely to rush back upwards into the esophagus. Also, the consumption of a few caffeinated can lead to increased acidity in the stomach. Apart from alcohol and caffeinated drinks, carbonated drinks also should be avoided. The carbonated drinks increase bloating and pressure in the stomach.
2.     Fatty and Spicy Foods: The fatty foods stay for a long-time in the stomach and hence worsen the acid reflux. The high-fat meal can increase the pressure inside the stomach. Similarly, even spicy foods are not good for acid reflux. Both the spicy and fatty foods worsen the symptoms of GERD.
3.     Other Foods: There are other types of foods such as legumes or lentils that can exaggerate the effects of acid reflux in the stomach as they cause bloating and gas. Also, a diet with a high quantity of salt is assumed to increase the risk of acid reflux. Tomato sauce and other acidic foods are mostly blamed for causing irritation of esophagus that is already damaged.

Medical Treatments

The treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus is designed to focus on treating the tissues that are abnormal.

·        Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): It makes use of laser through endoscope where the abnormal cells are killed without causing any damage to the normal tissues.
·        Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Similar to RFA, except that the patient is given a drug name Photofrin to make the cells less sensitive.
·        Endoscopic spray cryotherapy: Abnormal cells are frozen through cold nitrogen or carbon-di-oxide gas.
·        Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): The abnormal lining is lifted and cut out of the esophagus’ wall.
·        Surgery: The process is carried out to remove the damaged esophagus in cases where severe cancer has been diagnosed.

The Barrett’s Esophagus is a complication of GERD which does not have specific symptoms. It can be cured through endoscopy or medication. However, before taking the treatment is essential to focus on Barrett's Disease foods to avoid.

Author Bio:
RefluxMD provides an overview of all reflux treatment. If you are looking for Barrett’s Disease get in touch with us so that we can guide you based on the Gerd Diet Menu.

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