How Diet Affects GERD, Lactose Intolerance,and IBS

By Barbara C. Bourassa

People who suffer from lactose intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a trio of conditions that affect one or more parts of the digestive system from the esophagus to the large intestine, know that watching what they eat is critical.

For most lactose-intolerant people, ice cream is a no-no, and many sufferers of GERD have sworn off alcohol. And both items might bring on abdominal pain or bloating in a person who has IBS. If you think you suffer from any of these disorders, it’s important to know what the symptoms are, what causes the ailment, and the role food and drink can play in eliminating your discomfort.

What is lactose intolerance?

Simply put, lactose intolerance means your body lacks the necessary enzymes for digesting foods with lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, dairy products, and foods made with milk, including ice cream, buttermilk, whipped cream, cream cheese, butter, certain cheeses, cottage cheese, yogurt, and milk chocolate.

Sometimes, lactose is also added to boxed and prepared food such as cereal, lunchmeats, cake and cookie mixes, and frozen dinners, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

gas;
bloating;
stomach cramps;
diarrhea.

One obvious method for eliminating the painful, but not usually life-threatening, symptoms of lactose intolerance is to stop eating or drinking milk and dairy products. TNow that as much as 75 percent of the world’s population may be lactose intolerant, companies have begun making milk and dairy products that are lactose-free. There are also dietary supplements available, or you can drink milk and eat cheese or dairy products made from soy or rice instead of cow’s milk.

GERD defined

Of the three conditions mentioned above, GERD is the most serious, as left untreated it can lead to other problems, including esophageal cancer. GERD is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux, also known as heartburn. These conditions occur when the valve located between the stomach and the esophagus opens spontaneously, causing stomach acid to creep up into the esophagus, which creates a painful burning sensation.

Occasional bouts of heartburn are common, but if you have this condition more than twice a week you may be diagnosed with GERD.

It is well-documented that certain foods and beverages can bring on or exacerbate heartburn, including highly acidic foods such as citrus fruits or foods made with tomatoes, as well as chocolate, drinks containing alcohol or caffeine, fatty or fried foods, garlic and onions, mint-flavored foods, and spicy foods.

Avoiding these foods completely, or eating them in small quantities, may eliminate the heartburn. In addition, experts often advise people to eat smaller meals, avoid lying down for two to three hours after a meal, and lose weight or stop smoking. There are also many over-the-counter and prescription drugs available for treatment of heartburn, but always check with your doctor before taking any new medication.

Living with IBS

The third digestive ailment, IBS, is not as serious as GERD, but its causes, symptoms, and treatments are more varied than lactose intolerance. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, but some people suffer from diarrhea, constipation, or both. Medical experts have not pinpointed the exact cause of IBS, but some say people with IBS have an overly sensitive colon that reacts to stress.

If you’ve been diagnosed with IBS you may be advised to eat smaller meals, avoid foods such as dairy products, wheat, barley, chocolate, or rye, and eliminate beverages such as milk, alcohol, coffee, tea, or cola.

Whatever your digestive ailment, be sure to seek the counsel of a doctor or other medical professional if your symptoms continue, change, or get worse.

Barbara C. Bourassa is a freelance writer and editor living in North Andover, Mass.