Men at Higher Risk for Severe Acid Reflux, Study Reveals

A recent study has revealed that men face a significantly higher risk of severe complications from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) compared to women. The findings highlight how factors such as dietary choices, lifestyle habits, and a tendency to overlook symptoms may contribute to increased severity, potentially leading to conditions like esophageal cancer.

Both men and women experience gastroesophageal reflux disease, but men tend to suffer from more pronounced symptoms. Studies indicate that men endure higher acid exposure and are nearly twice as likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that can escalate to esophageal cancer if untreated. In fact, esophageal cancer is up to nine times more prevalent in men, indicating a troubling trend where chronic reflux could lead to severe outcomes.

Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a gut health specialist and author of ‘Get Off Your Acid’ and ‘Get Off Your Sugar,’ discussed these alarming trends with Fox News Digital, describing acid reflux as a “silent epidemic” among men. He emphasized that the issue extends beyond typical heartburn, as it encompasses systemic inflammation that begins in the gut and can have widespread effects throughout the body.

Underlying Causes and Lifestyle Factors

Dr. Gioffre points to a “pressure cooker” scenario for modern men, exacerbated by chronic stress, inadequate sleep, and poor dietary habits. He notes that diets rich in processed foods, high in meat and alcohol, paired with a tendency to disregard symptoms, create an environment that fosters chronic inflammation and increases the risk of reflux compared to women.

Late-night eating, larger portion sizes, and high caffeine consumption further complicate matters. Many men often skip meals or eat quickly, relying on convenience foods that lack essential nutrients. Dr. Gioffre warns that this “ongoing acid assault” can damage the gut lining, leading to a rise of acid in the esophagus and increasing the likelihood of developing Barrett’s cells, which are precursors to cancer.

When discussing dietary culprits, Dr. Gioffre identifies three key components of ultraprocessed foods that aggravate acid reflux: refined salt, sugar, and seed oils. He explains that these ingredients can inflame the gut and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps stomach acid contained.

Biological Differences and Recommendations for Men

The biological differences between men and women also contribute to the heightened risk of severe gastrointestinal conditions. Dr. Gioffre notes that men produce less protective mucus and saliva, which naturally buffer acid when it flows back into the esophagus. Consequently, when reflux occurs, the damage is more severe, leading to long-term complications.

Moreover, younger men often have higher levels of visceral fat, which increases pressure in the stomach and can force acid into the esophagus. Hormonal differences play a role as well; estrogen appears to offer protective benefits to women, improving blood flow and repair mechanisms in the esophagus, which men lack.

Dr. Gioffre recommends several immediate strategies for men to reduce their risk of acid reflux. One key suggestion is to avoid eating three hours before bedtime. This practice allows the body to digest food effectively, minimizing the chances of acid traveling upwards while lying down.

Additionally, men should identify and eliminate common reflux triggers such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, and carbonated drinks. These foods can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.

Staying hydrated is also essential. Dr. Gioffre advises starting the day with warm lemon water and honey or slippery elm tea to soothe the gastrointestinal tract. He further encourages men to engage in grounding practices, such as walking barefoot or spending time outdoors, which can help promote gut health by activating the body’s natural “rest-and-digest” system.

Managing stress and ensuring quality sleep are crucial as well. Lack of sleep elevates cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, which can disrupt digestion and prolong the presence of food in the stomach, leading to bloating and reflux.

Dr. Gioffre concludes that to effectively combat acid reflux, men must not only reevaluate their dietary choices but also make significant lifestyle changes. By addressing both diet and lifestyle, men can mitigate the risks associated with acid reflux and promote better overall health.