O.K. so you’ve tried eliminating the problem foods – tomatoes, citrus -maybe you’ve even taken the plunge and given up the coffee. But still, your esophagus is burning.
So what’s the problem?
Research is beginning to show a correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gluten intolerance. In fact, the incidence of acid reflux symptoms among people diagnosed with Celiac disease is significantly higher than in the rest of the population.
A widely recognized expert in Functional Medicine, Dr. Mark Hyman explains that foods like tomatoes, citrus, vinegars and other acidic foods don’t actually cause acid reflux, but really just burn the part of the esophagus that has already been damaged. Instead he points to common problem foods like wheat and other gluten containing grains as the real source of troubling acid reflux symptoms.
Dr. Marina Rose uses Functional Nutrition to find and address the underlying cause of acid reflux symptoms and other digestive issues in and around San Francisco, CA.
Dr. Rose uses a combination of simple, non-invasive lab tests as well as a unique physical exam to determine if acid reflux symptoms are due to gluten intolerance, food allergies or other digestive imbalances. In the mean time, there are at home techniques that you can try to avoid acid reflux symptoms.
If you’ve tried these techniques and still have not found relief, don’t give up. Find out how Functional Nutrition can help you find and treat the underlying cause.
I was diagnosed with GERD years ago, took meds for a few years until they stopped working, then went changed my diet and basically stopped eating “white” foods – for reasons unrelated to my heartburn issues, and amazingly my heartburn stopped. I now notice those foods cause the problem. None of the others (tomatoes, spices, citrus) are an issue. Never considered a gluten intolerance. Interesting and will need to explore that more – thanks!
Margie, thanks for sharing your experience. Yes, it definitely sounds like looking into gluten intolerance is a good idea for you. There is not a consensus on which tests are most reliable. There are blood tests, stool tests and saliva tests. Let me know if I can help.