Improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease after initiation of a low-carbohydrate diet: five brief case reports

Altern Ther Health Med. 2001 Nov-Dec;7(6):120, 116-9.

Abstract

The 5 individuals described in these case reports experienced resolution of GERD symptoms after self-initiation of a low-carbohydrate diet. Their observations suggest that carbohydrate restriction may have contributed to their symptom relief. However, this conclusion is confounded by concurrent reduction of caffeine intake in 3 of the individuals and reduction of acidic and high-osmolal food intake in all of them. Observations from some of these individuals suggest that carbohydrates may be a precipitating factor for GERD symptoms and that other classic exacerbating foods such as coffee and fat may be less pertinent when a low-carbohydrate diet is followed. However, these conclusions are preliminary. These findings primarily suggest that prospective research should be performed on the effect of low-carbohydrate diets on GERD symptoms. Trials that control for all of the confounders mentioned above and that contain objective endpoints are needed to further investigate these issues.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / diet therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates