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Reducing acid reflux lowers risk of esophageal cancer

Reducing acid reflux can go a long way in lowering the risk of esophageal cancer. Learn how lifestyle changes and diet can help to keep your esophagus healthy by ikecohen
Estimated reading time: 3 min 10 sec
Reducing acid reflux lowers risk of esophageal cancer Photo by Monstera on Pexels

Esophageal cancer is not a well-known type of cancer, but it is one of the most challenging to treat. It is a disease that originates in the esophagus, the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.

When this cancer is detected late, it can be life-threatening. Research has shown that reducing acid reflux can lower the risk of esophageal cancer.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition where the muscle that connects the esophagus and the stomach doesn’t work properly.

The muscle is called sphincter, and it allows food and liquids to pass from the throat to the stomach while preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. When the sphincter doesn’t close all the way or opens too often, stomach acid can escape into the esophagus causing the sensation of heartburn.

How Acid Reflux Leads to Esophageal Cancer?

Acid reflux is not just a frustrating condition that causes heartburn, but it can lead to long-term complications, including esophageal cancer.

When stomach acid is continuously flowing back up into the esophagus, it can cause inflammation and irritation of the esophagus’ lining, leading to a condition called Barret’s esophagus. Barret’s esophagus is a precancerous condition that increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Reducing Acid Reflux Can Lower The Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Reducing acid reflux can be a viable option to lower the risk of esophageal cancer. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and being overweight are contributory factors to increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or limiting alcohol consumption can help minimize the risk of developing acid reflux and, subsequently, esophageal cancer.

Dietary Changes Can Help Reduce Acid Reflux and Lower The Risk of Esophageal Cancer

In addition to lifestyle changes, making dietary changes can also minimize the occurrence of acid reflux and reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.

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Eating smaller meals can help to prevent acid reflux as it can help to prevent the stomach from becoming too full to allow the sphincter to close completely. Avoiding certain foods and beverages can also help to minimize the symptoms of acid reflux. Foods that are acidic such as citrus fruit, chocolate, tomatoes, spicy foods, caffeine, mint, and carbonated beverages can all cause acid reflux.

Altering your eating habits to include more alkaline foods such as leafy green vegetables and selecting other items that are low in acid can help to reduce the occurrence of acid reflux.

Medications Can Also Help Reduce Acid Reflux

In addition to lifestyle and dietary changes, there are medications that can help to reduce the occurrence of acid reflux. Over-the-counter antacids can be used for mild cases. They work by neutralizing stomach acid to provide relief.

Another type of medication available is histamine-2 receptor blockers (H2 blockers). H2 blockers reduce the production of stomach acid, allowing the esophagus to heal. They are also effective in preventing acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are another medication option that significantly reduce the production of stomach acid.

PPIs are more potent than H2 blockers, and they are an effective treatment option for moderate to severe cases of acid reflux. Consult with your medical professional to discuss the best medication options for you.

Conclusion

While esophageal cancer is a rare condition, reducing acid reflux is an essential measure that can lower your risk of developing the disease.

Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising, and eating a healthy diet can go a long way in reducing acid reflux. When lifestyle changes are compared with medication options, many people benefit from making simple changes to their daily routine.

Speak to your medical professional about how you can reduce acid reflux and lower the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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