GERD - Intermittent Fast (OMAD)

[Notknowmuch]

I’ve recently had a gastroscopy done and was diagnosed with GERD and was prescribed pantoprazole 40mg (1 tablet daily). I do not know whether I should be unduly alarmed with this diagnosis nor what to expect going forward.

I’ve never had heartburn, pain near the diaphragm nor feelings of nausea until 2-3 months ago.

I’m wondering if this condition was the result of being on Intermittent Fasting (OMAD - one meal a day) for the past one snd a half years ago. Does anyone have similar experience?

[Mopsey1897]

I’ve had my whole adult life mainly eating once a day and was diagnosed with diverticulosis when I was 55. It’s very stable now although I suffer from constipation and diarrhoea intermittently. I still only have one meal a day - my choice as I’m never hungry - and have a bit of reflux and heartburn that started a few weeks ago. I ignored it but now it’s very uncomfortable. I never thought my eating habits could be a cause until i read your post so thank you as I need to change my eating habits! I hope you get yours sorted soon for you x

[Notknowmuch in reply to Mopsey1897]

My diagnosis was like a wake up call to reconsider my eating habits. I’ll give it a try and follow Badger 2024’s suggestion. I too do not feel hungry till late afternoon and never had the need to eat breakfast. I’ll now add 2 small healthy snacks to my OMAD.

Since my acid reflux has only started a few months ago, I intend to take pantoprazole for 8 weeks only as a start; and improve my eating habits and see if my condition (less discomfort in diaphragm area and reflux) improves as taking PPIs long term is not ideal.

My husband passed away 2+ years ago at 63 yrs old from oesophageal cancer (had IL surgery). It was a horrible disease and I believe his sickness began with acid reflux when he was younger. He was only taking Gavascon, Gavascon Advanced then Nexium, for relief.

Yes we need to take action to stay healthy and not let things get out of hand 🙏🏼.

[Badger2024]

Advice for eating with GERD is to eat little and often. Personally I’m not a big fan of breakfast or dinner and tend to eat a main meal around lunchtime. However I do have three or four little snacks through the day to prevent there being just acid in my stomach. These snacks can be a few nuts, half a banana, a pot of Greek yoghurt, some blueberries, a couple of crackers with cheese. You get the idea. Important to not eat a big meal at night and not for three to four hours before bed. Elevate the head of your bed six inches/15cm and take a glug of Gaviscon Advance before bed if you usually suffer with any symptoms during the night. Long term use of PPIs isn’t a good idea although gastroenterologists love them as they work so well. They can also cause chronic kidney disease ( happened to me) and also gastric and oesophageal cancers. There is a class action against nexium at the moment. The main symptom of silent reflux is a cough rather than heartburn but the acid is still burning your gut and/or oesophagus

[Notknowmuch in reply to Badger2024]

Thank you for your helpful suggestions and your comments have made me reconsider my eating habits.

Even though I don’t feel hungry I will start adding 2 small healthy snacks to my OMAD to lessen rumblings in my stomach (probably releasing acid juices). Heartburn is very ocassional (usually only when I over eat. However, I do have a slight cough in the night and didn’t think much about it as I di not know much about the symtoms for silent reflux.

I don’t drink much alcohol (probably 2 glasses a week and I’m only too happy to give up drinking to heal my gut. I’m mindful to avoid or consume minimal coffee, tomatoes, chocolate, onions, garlic, citrusy and spicy food. I now sleep on an adjustable bed.