Avoid Dairy Products in Heart Burn and Barrett Esophagus

Barrett’s oesophagus is a condition in which the inner lining of the lower oesophagal segment changes to an abnormal or intestinal form. Chronic (long-term) acid reflux is one of the major causes of this Barrett's oesophagus. All the things, foods or behaviours that can cause acid reflux, can also cause Barrett oesophagus. There are lots of foods that can cause reflux of acidic contents of the stomach back to the oesophagus. The decreased tone of the lower oesophagal sphincter, which is a muscular ring at the junction of the stomach and oesophagus also contribute to the acid reflux. Some of the foods that promote or encourage acid reflux include Ground beef, Chicken nugget-style, Chocolate, corn, potato chips, fried or fatty food, Orange juice, lemon, grapefruit, wine, coffee, tea, macaroni, spaghetti and in Dairy, Sour cream, ice-cream and cottage cheese. All these foods distend the stomach and decrease the tone of the lower oesophagal sphincter and promote acid reflux of stomach contents.
Dairy products promote acid reflux and all those foods that promote acid reflux can also increase the risk of getting Barrett oesophagus. The fatty content of dairy products is the main reason behind it. Moreover, milk and its products mostly contain saturated fats, and saturated fats should be avoided by patients of heartburn or Barrett oesophagus. Whole milk and milk products all can cause acid reflux. In Barrett's oesophagus, the meals should be divided into 6 or more smaller meals. The single large meal should be avoided as it distends stomach, the stomach has to work more and the risk of acid reflux increases.
In general, Dairy products are not recommended for the patients of Barrett's oesophagus. But these products contain proteins and other essential minerals and vitamins which are necessary for muscular growth and body function. Therefore, the expert decided to remove the fat content of the milk and other dairy products so that patients of Barrett's oesophagus can also use them. But still consuming too many fat-free dairy products can contribute to acid reflux, because they can increase the acid production and secretion. Therefore, one should take these products in a moderate amount to avoid its unnecessary effects.
Some dairy products such as non-fat yoghurt and cheese may not trigger fat reflux. Foods like Fish meat, clean chicken meat without skin and lean mutton, are also the foods that can be taken by the patients of acid reflux. These foods are healthy foods and promote health and muscular growth but minimize the risk of getting acid reflux.