Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains one of the most common diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, with a typical symptom of heartburn, which occurs at least once a week. The prevalence of the disease varies and, depending on the geographic location, it may affect from a few to more than 30% of an adult population. If remains untreated, this can cause various serious complications like precancerous conditions and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The first-line treatment in GERD patients remains pharmacotherapy but lifestyle modifications, like diet changes, are an important element upholding the treatment of the disease. Factors that contribute to the development of the disease are numerous, including non-modifiable factors like age, sex or genetic factors and modifiable factors, like lifestyle, diet and excessive body weight. 

GERD risk factors related to lifestyle include excessive body weight, particularly obesity, moderate/high alcohol consumption, smoking, postprandial and vigorous physical activity, as well as lack of regular physical activity. fatty, fried, sour, spicy food/products, orange and grapefruit juice, tomatoes and tomato preserves, chocolate, coffee/tea, carbonated beverages, alcohol etc. are regarded to be the triggers for GERD symptoms in many studies. Eating habits like irregular meal patterns, a large volume of meals, eating meals just before bedtime may be associated with the symptoms of GERD. Although the role of lifestyle, diet and eating habits as risk factors for GERD is not clearly understood with contradictory study results, determination of modifiable risk factors for this disease and its symptoms is crucial to establish effective dietary prevention and diet therapy of GERD.

Source: Taraszewska A, et al. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2021;72(1):21-28.