Barrett Diseases Diet

Barrett's disease, also called Barrett's esophagus, causes changes in the makeup and color of the cells lining the lower esophagus due to acid reflux. Barrett's disease is a rare complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). People diagnosed with Barrett's have a small but increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. The diet for those suffering from Barrett's disease is the same as the diet for GERD.

Diet Guidelines

A diet that will benefit a Barrett's disease reduces or eliminates foods that increase acid production in the stomach and promotes general health. According to the Acid Reflux Connection, healthcentral.com/acid-reflux, acid-producing foods and beverages that should be limited, if not cut out completely, are those that "contain caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint and alcohol." Decaffeinated coffee should also be taken sparingly or not at all.

Eat foods that are high in complex carbohydrates like brown rice, whole grain bread and whole grain pastas.These foods are easy for the stomach to digest and they may absorb some of the excess acid produced during digestion. Vegetables that are naturally low in acid are less likely to cause reflux. Low-acid vegetables include carrots, beans, baked potatoes, cabbage, green beans and broccoli. Individual sufferers may find that a vegetable that is generally safe causes acid reflux. Try small portions of the vegetables you like best to find the ones that do not give you acid reflux. Avoid raw onions and vegetables that are deep fried.

Lean meats such as chicken, fish, low-fat ground beef and London broil are all generally safe choices for Barrett's disease sufferers. Fatty or processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, sausage and packaged lunch meats should be avoided. As is the case with vegetables, small potions of your favorite lean meats should be sampled to make sure they don't trigger acid reflux in you.

Most fruits are low in acid. Bananas and apples are among the fruits least likely to case acid reflux.Exceptions are oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pineapple and tomatoes. These are known to cause reflux and should be consumed rarely, if at all.

Barrett's disease sufferers in general can tolerate low-fat dairy products like skim milk, cream cheese and feta or goat cheese. Soy-based cheeses and milk products may be a good alternative to try if your favorite dairy product gives you reflux. Egg yolks are best avoided, although egg whites and egg substitutes can be eaten.

For your sweet tooth, try low-fat frozen fruit yogurt and smoothies. Water is the best beverage for someone with Barrett's disease.

How You Eat

For a Barrett's disease sufferer, when and how you eat and what you do after your meal are as important as what you eat. Eat small meals of 300 to 400 calories throughout the day. Smaller meals are easier to digest, creating less stomach acid than larger ones. Stay upright for at least 45 minutes after each meal.Try to finish your last meal of the day at least three hours before you lie down to sleep for the night. Some sufferers find elevating the front of their bed 8 to 10 inches off the floor helps to keep stomach acid from attacking their esophagus during the night.