Diet, lifestyle hacks to say goodbye to acid reflux and protect yourself from oesophageal cancer

Doctor shares diet tips and lifestyle tweaks to manage acid reflux and prevent oesophageal cancer, along with treatment and medications to avoid complications.

 Acid reflux might seem harmless, but chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can have life-altering consequences, including the development of oesophageal cancer. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker (Consultant Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon at MetaHeal - Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery Center in Mumbai and Saifee and Apollo and Namaha Hospitals in Mumbai) highlighted that certain factors make some people more susceptible to oesophageal cancer, including:

 Chronic GERD (acid reflux lasting for years)

Barrett’s oesophagus

Obesity (which increases pressure on the stomach, worsening reflux)

Smoking and excessive alcohol use

A diet

If you experience any of these symptoms or have multiple risk factors, do not ignore them. Seeking medical attention early can improve outcomes.

How to reduce the risk:

1. Managing acid reflux to prevent cancer

One of the ways to lower the risk of oesophageal cancer is by controlling acid reflux effectively. As per Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, here’s how that can be done: 

• Maintain a healthy weight – Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, pushing acid into the esophagus.
• Eat smaller meals – Overeating increases acid production and worsens reflux.
• Avoid trigger foods – Limit spicy, fatty and acidic foods, as they weaken the LES.
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption – Both can damage the esophageal lining and weaken the LES.
• Do not lie down immediately after eating – Wait at least 2–3 hours before lying down to prevent acid reflux.
• Elevate your head while sleeping – Sleeping with an elevated head can reduce nighttime reflux.

 

2. Medical treatment options

Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker revealed that doctors may prescribe medications to help manage GERD and prevent complications:

• Antacids – Neutralise stomach acid for temporary relief.
• H2 Blockers – Reduce acid production (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Stronger acid reducers (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole).

When is surgery needed?

For severe GERD that does not respond to medications, Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker recommended that surgical options like fundoplication may be considered as this procedure tightens the LES, preventing acid reflux. If diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus, Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker suggested that regular endoscopic monitoring is essential to detect early signs of cancer.

Prevention tips

According to Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, the key to prevention lies in early detection, lifestyle changes and medical intervention.

• Listen to your body. Persistent acid reflux should never be ignored.
• Seek medical advice if you have long-term GERD or symptoms of Barrett’s oesophagus.
• Regular screenings can save lives. If you have risk factors, discuss endoscopic evaluation with your doctor.

By taking control of acid reflux, you can significantly lower your risk of oesophageal cancer and protect your digestive health.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Your abdominal pain could mean more than just gas! Possible causes to keep an eye out for

Here’s why you may be experiencing abdominal pain

As discomforting as an intestinal gas may feel, it is as common and frequent in some people. Along with bloating, burping and nausea, one may experience abdominal pain and tenderness.

But abdominal pain is not just an outcome of digestive problems like gas, acid reflux or indigestion. It could mean something else or something more acute and serious, which is why it is necessary to watch out for all possible illnesses associated with abdominal pain.

Here are some common, possible causes of abdominal cramps that may need some medical intervention.

 

Muscle pull and strain

One of the most common causes of abdominal pain is a pulled or a strained muscle. Given that our abdominal muscles are engaged everytime we take on an activity that requires pulling, pushing and picking, abdominal injury is very likely.

Additionally, those who are trying to stay fit and lose weight, mostly target their core, increasing the risk of abdominal injury and therefore, pain and cramps.

Food intolerances

When a person suffers with food intolerance, he or she has difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to unpleasant reactions in the body, of which abdominal pain is one.

Additionally symptoms include bloating, farting, diarrhea, skin rashes and itching.

However, most of these symptoms start occuring a few hours after eating the food.

 

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a condition that occurs in people who are allergic to gluten, which is a protein found in many grains including wheat and barley.

Besides causing inflammation in the small intestine, this disease can also lead to abdominal pain and discomfort. Diarrhea and bloating are some other common symptoms associated with the condition.

Those suffering from celiac disease therefore must avoid gluten-rich products.

Urinary tract and/or bladder infections

Urinary tract infections are very common in women and can occur in men too. These are caused by bacteria, primarily E.coli species, that take over and attack the urethra and bladder. UTI or other bladder infections can put a lot of pressure on your abdomen, leading to bloating, pain and painful urination.

Endometriosis

Women with endometriosis can also experience painful pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort.

Endometriosis is a disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside the uterus. Other symptoms can range from dysmenorrhea, which is painful menstrual periods, lower back pain, pain during intercourse to infertility.

Possible causes of acute abdominal pain

There are various conditions that can cause acute abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms. While some resolve on their own with medications and treatment, some others may need immediate intervention. That said, here are the possible causes of acute abdominal pain:

- Appendicitis

- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

- Pancreatitis

- Gallbladder disease

- Diverticulitis

- Small bowel obstruction

- Crohn's disease

- Certain types of cancer

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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