Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of many causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. In addition to taking extra vitamin B12- especially crucial if you’re using protein pump inhibitors (PPIs) to battle acid reflux, it’s also important to know which foods are best digestive health with GERD.
GERD symptoms
The symptoms of GERD- chronic heartburn, stomach upset, vomiting- are more than just a nuisance; they can be severely detrimental to your health.
Long-term acid reflux may cause ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, lungs, and throat.
Untreated, they can lead to scarring and narrowing of the esophagus.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Upper Endoscopy Testing- What to Expect
GERD, a risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency
GERD patients are a high risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency for two reasons:
- Protein pump inhibitors (PPIs), a common medication for GERD, interfere with your ability to digest vitamin B12 naturally from food. Long-term inhibition of stomach acids may result in severe depletion of vitamin B12 levels. For that reason, GERD patients use non-dietary vitamin B12 supplements, such as a routine vitamin B12 shot.
- Additionally, damage to the digestive system often interferes with intrinsic factor, a digestive enzyme that is crucial for vitamin B12 absorption.
Over time, vitamin B12 deficiency impedes your neurological health, metabolism, DNA synthesis, cognitive functioning, and red blood cell distribution.
B12 Deficiency: Don’t Ignore the Symptoms
Eating with GERD
In addition to eating the right foods, you will also need to develop good eating habits like chewing slowly, eating small meals, avoiding late-night snacks, and stopping when you’re satisfied, not stuffed.
Always consult your doctor before adopting any new food regimen for GERD.
Here are some foods that typically relieve GERD symptoms:
Oatmeal- Ginger
- Aloe Vera
- Fennel and celery
- Root vegetables
- Salad greens
- Parsley
- Bananas
- Melon
- Skinless chicken or turkey
- Seafood
- Whole grains
Please tell us…
If you’ve been diagnosed with GERD, have you also tested for vitamin B12 deficiency? Please tell us how you relieve heartburn and acid reflux.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
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Read more about GERD and B12 deficiency
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – B12 Deficiency and 5 other Health Risks
Absorbing Vitamin B12, a Metabolic Gastrointestinal Journey
Sources:
Acid Reflux: 13 Foods To Soothe The Burn
Heartburn-GERD Symptoms & Types
Images:
Stoonn, Grant Cochrane, kongsky, Master isolated images, Nick Saltmarsh