Gluten And Acid Reflux – A Common Association
Is there a medical link between gluten and acid reflux? A recent research study linked peptic disease (heartburn, GERD, stomach ulcer) to gluten exposure in patients with gluten sensitivity. So the short answer to the question is yes. You can read a direct quote from the researchers below:
PD (peptic disease) is not uncommon in the presentation of CD (celiac disease). It is more likely to be found in the second decade of life. CD should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with non-HP(H pylori) PD and we suggest routine CD serology and small bowel biopsy in patients with unexplained PD.
The authors of this study recommend that all patients with non infectious peptic disease be screened for celiac disease.
Source:
Scand J Gastroenterol. 2009;44(12):1424-8.
Gluten Inflames the Stomach and Intestines
I commonly see patients with a conglomeration of gastric symptoms that are directly caused by gluten exposure. Reflux, heartburn, ulcer disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and even hernia are some of the more common diseases I have seen go into remission with the implementation of a
TRUE gluten free diet.
It is common for physicians to rule out infection (primarily
H. pylori) in these patients, but gluten intolerance is very rarely investigated. The results of this study suggest that patients with gastric disease be screened for celiac disease. The problem with this recommendation is that celiac blood tests and biopsies are extremely inaccurate and have a high degree of
false negatives. The other problem is that many people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Therefore, testing them for celiac disease is a complete waste of time and extremely misleading. Also keep in mind that just like there is a link between gluten and acid reflux,
other foods can also be triggers.
That it why I recommend
genetic testing. The results cannot be skewed by diet and are not accompanied with the flaws of celiac blood and biopsy testing.
Reflux Medications Have Dangerous Side Effects
Remember that taking heavy doses of anti-acids and prescription reflux medications is not the answer. These drugs only serve to neutralize or reduce stomach acid. Reduction of stomach acid is a major problem as it increases the risk for:
- Infection
- Osteoporosis (ironically, gluten also causes bone loss)
- Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies (calcium, B-12, folic acid, iron, zinc, and more – also common in those with gluten sensitivity issues)
- Protein and fat malabsorption
Additionally, the medication does not treat the actual cause of disease, but merely reduces the symptoms, thus creating a false sense of
“healthy security”.
Please do me a favor. If
going gluten free eliminated or reduced your gastric problems, please share with us below in the
Leave a Reply Box. Your story may help encourage someone else to go gluten free.
In good health,
Dr. Osborne – The Gluten Free Warrior
68 Responses
I’ve recently been diagnosed with Barrett’s Escophagas. Having read many of the above peoples experience’s there was no mention of B A but as the symptoms are so similar I wonder if a non gluten-free diet will help?
At 75 I have had problems with nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, only given Ativan for anxiety, Famotidine and Omeprazole with not testing or referrals to gastroenteritis until I research and requested a referral suffering for 3 weeks. Thank the Lord for articles and places to search for ourselves. Thank you.
Being an acid reflux sufferer I would like to thank you for guiding us through such informative and quality content about acid reflux. I would love to say, this article helped me a lot to know all about acid reflux and choose the right solutions to cure it permanently. Thank you.
I have a history of laryngopharangeal reflux. This is where just a little bit of acid gets all the way up on the larynx. It causes constant mucus to be sort of stuck in your throat. I was constantly clearing my throat and I do mean all the time! When I went on a ketogenic diet which was naturally gluten free, this conditon stopped completely! I was able to get off all acid reflux medication.
I was on ketogenic diets for several years. I went on two of them, the first was very high in dairy, the second was much more restrictive and had little dairy. I found out I was highly lactose intollerant and felt much better on the second diet, then all hell broke loose and I was extremely sensitive to FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosacharides, Disacharides, Monosarcharides and Polyols). This basically means I had a hard time digesting simple sugars. It’s been a long road to recovery with an excellent Registered Dietician from UCSF. I’ve slowly been adding back foods.
I’m finally able to add back some sour dough bread and my laryngopharageal reflux has started coming back. I actually think it might be due to a mild wheat allergy. I know I do not have celiac because I was tested for the genes with people who have celiac and I do not have that gene so the Gastroenterologist told me it’s impossible for me to have Celiac. Monash University (the undisputed experts on FODMAPs) tested people with non celiac gluten sensitivity and found they are actually sensitive to fructans, not gluten. It turns out that gluten and fructans go hand in hand. Hence the reason many people believe their problem is gluten rather than fructans. However, fructans are found in more foods than just those containing gluten. They are found in garlic, onions, bannanas, blueberries, chick peas, etc., etc.
There clearly seems to be an association with gluten containing foods and acid reflux but we really need further testing to sus out exactly what the prolem is. Is it the protein, the carb ohydrate, or the wheat? We relly don’t want to eliminate foods from our diet unnecessarily, trust me, bad things can happen. On the other hand, if the problem is fructans, other foods may be causing people problems besides gluten containing foods. Those headaches, back pain, inflammation, eczema, etc. could be caused be something you are eating.
Hi!
I was glibly diagnosed with GERD (with NO TESTING WHATSOEVER) back in 2004 by a doctor I’d never encountered before during my junior year of college (in my 30s). almost 20 years later, I began having TERRIBLE stomach pain which has now turned to chest pain that goes through to my back. It seems to be induced by gluten. My doctor insists that a genetic test doesn’t exist (seriously…..) We are having a very frank conversation very soon. My mother had an ulcer and was on ppi’s most of her adult life. ALL my siblings have gi issues, and mostly are assumed to have GERD again, no testing. ALL my siblings (except one) has died in their 60s and have had heart failure. My mother was said to have had alzheimer’s, but how do we really know if they had no way to test? I’m convinced we have all been celiac the entire time. I’m not sure I can withstand 2 weeks of eating gluten, as eating a very small amt sends me to the ER. Any advice on how to be seen?
Here is the genetic test – https://www.glutenfreesociety.org/shop/all-products/gluten-sensitivity-genetic-test-kit/
Learn more in depth information about gluten, including genetic testing by watching this free masterclass – https://glutenology.net/registration
I would argue that eating something that you already know makes you sick it probably a bad idea. Especially considering that biopsies and celiac blood work commonly come back with false negative results.
If you would like to set up a nutritional consult, you can call 281-240-2229
I hope you find the right answers,
Dr. O