Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

GERD and Obesity

With current estimates claiming that more than 20% of us suffer from heartburn or acid reflux disease more than twice a week, and that the incidence of GERD is increasing 5% annually making the disease so common that 1 in 5 suffer, it is time to get serious about trying to prevent its occurrence and if you have it, trying to control it.

During the same time that GERD has been increasing, there has also been in increase in obesity. This parallel increase suggests a link between the two. Knowing that obesity contributes to many health problems: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes; the strength of the relationship with GERD is every bit as strong or perhaps even stronger, according to Shahin Ayazi MD, and Peter Crookes, MD, authors of a study appearing in the August, 2009, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery . The researchers who are from the University of Southern California calculate that the effect of obesity on GERD is 13%.

The most important message of the study is one of obesity prevention. After a 10 year examination period of more than 2000 patients with GERD, the study researchers were able to measure the amount of acid in the esophagus and check the strength of the valve in the lower esophagus. They were also able to relate those measurements to the height and weight of the patients. Results show that losing weight wont help much unless someone is either in the early stages of GERD or the reflux is mild. Heavier people have more reflux and more damage to the lower esophageal sphincter.

Like Your Doc, Feel Better

Your doc may not be as much fun as Dr. Seuss, but according to a study published in the August, 2009, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, patients who liked their doctors were more satisfied with their treatments and outcomes than those whose rapport with their doctors was less than satisfactory. The report studied which treatments relieved most GERD suffering and showed that patients on PPIs who were satisfied with the communication between their doctor and themselves fared better. Dr. Peter Bytzer of Copenhagen University is the study author. He reviewed 11 studies published between 1970 and 2007. Each study examined patient satisfaction with his or her GERD treatment. Maria T. Abreu, MD, professor of medicine and gastroenterology chief at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine agreed that doctor-patient relationship was important. A good bed-side manner and discussion of realistic expectations led to patient satisfaction.

American Heart Association Urges Us to Curb Sugar Intake

As if doctors orders to help GERD by losing weight werent enough, the American Heart Association is joining the warning and urging us to cut sugar intake to lose weight to reduce the risk of heart disease. The recommendation is that women consume no more than six teaspoons total a day of sugar 100 calories - , and men consume no more than 8 teaspoons total a day of sugar 150 calories. It may not be easy; one can of regular soda has 8 teaspoons of sugar. Food groups with the most added sugars during processing are regular soft drinks, sugars and candy, cakes, cookies, pies, fruit drinks, and dairy desserts. Rachel Johnson, PhD, MPH, RD, a Professor of Nutrition at the University of Vermont, is lead author of the statement. The heart association and other health groups have long encouraged consumers to limit sugar intake but this is the first suggestion with specific limits. Added sugars offer no nutritional value they just add calories. Dr. Johnson continues that the recommendation is not including sugars found naturally in fruits, vegetables, dairy products and other foods. Nor is anyone suggesting the total elimination of sugars; but, research has proven that monitoring and controlling your sugar intake can help with maintaining a healthy weight. And that seems to be the key to controlling many health problems. If it were easy, wed all be thin.

Please keep the phone calls and emails coming to 1.800.346.1850 and customerservice@medslant.com. MedSlant has started a blog which we hope brings you useful information on a weekly basis. You can read it at http://medslant.wordpress.com

MedSlant is participating in a USA Today Digestive Health Report. This special report contains useful information on identifying and treating many digestive problems. It will be an insert in the September 4, 2009 edition.



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