DEAR DR. GOTT: I want to thank you for printing the article from the reader who submitted his or her experience with acid reflux and crunchy foods. For quite some time I had been experiencing symptoms after eating foods like granola bars, pretzels and nuts, which would then set me up to also have trouble after eating just about anything else later in the day.
All of the research that I did indicated that these foods should not have been triggers but they were for me. I was at the end of my rope until I saw your article and tried what the reader suggested.
For the past four days I have been limiting crunchy foods and have been chewing extensively. I have not had a single GERD symptom in those four days (miracle!). I have even been consuming acidy foods (that would typically be avoidance foods) with no problems. It might not be the standard treatment but it sure has made a world of difference in the quality of my life. Thanks a million!
DEAR READER: To the best of my knowledge, yours is the first letter that I have received regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and crunchy foods.
I still maintain that the positive results were likely achieved by making conventional changes in an unconventional manner. Acidic foods, while most commonly associated with acid reflux, aren’t the primary culprit; fat is. Fatty and sugary foods are more often to blame and by eliminating those very substances that caused problems with your digestive system, you were able to find relief.
That said, however, if the regime works for you, stick with it. Other helpful tips include raising the head of your bed a few inches with wooden blocks, keeping a food journal to keep track of what foods worsen your symptoms, avoiding specific trigger foods, reducing your intake of fatty, sugary, acidic foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Hiatal Hernia, Acid Reflux and Indigestion” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.
