Dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)-style diet in association with gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents

Abstract

Background Dietary patterns and food items have been associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) risk and they have led to conflicting findings. The aim of this study was to determine the association between a dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH)-style diet with the risk of GERD and its symptoms in adolescents. Study design Cross-sectional. Methods This study was performed on 5,141 adolescents aged between 13 and 14 years. Dietary intake was evaluated using a food frequency method. The diagnosis of GERD was done by using a six-item GERD questionnaire that asked about GERD symptoms. A binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between the DASH-style diet score and GERD and its symptoms in crude and multivariable-adjusted models. Results Our findings revealed that after adjustment for all confounding variables, the adolescents with the highest adherence to the DASH-style diet had a lower chance of developing GERD [odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95%CI 0.33–0.75, Ptrend< 0.001)], reflux (OR = 0.42; 95%CI 0.25–0.71, Ptrend=0.001), nausea (OR = 0.59; 95% CI:0.32–1.08, Ptrend=0.05) and stomach pain (OR = 0.69; 95%CI 0.49–0.98, P trend=0.03) compared to those with the lowest adherence. Similar results were found for odds of GERD among boys, and the total population (OR = 0.37; 95%CI: 0.18–0.73, Ptrend=0.002, OR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.34–0.77, P trend<0.0, respectively). Conclusion The current study revealed that adherence to a DASH-style diet might protect against GERD and its symptoms including, reflux, nausea, and stomach pain in adolescents. Further prospective research is needed to confirm these findings.

Functional Food in Relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

“…Fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, aid in proper bowel movements and prevent constipation [124], which can contribute to GERD symptoms [58,125] Papaya contains enzymes such as papain that aid digestion and help break down proteins [126,127]. Eating ripe papaya or drinking papaya juice can support healthy digestion [127] and reduce symptoms of GERD [116].…”

“…GERD management entails the avoidance of trigger foods like spicy food, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chocolate, mint, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and carbonated drinks [ 50 ], prioritizing the consumption of lean proteins and emphasizing the intake of whole grains and fiber-rich foods like oatmeal and brown rice instead [ 6 , 58 ]. In one study, individuals with the highest intake of fruits and vegetables demonstrated a 33% lower risk of developing GERD [ 59 ].…”

“…Fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, aid in proper bowel movements and prevent constipation [ 124 ], which can contribute to GERD symptoms [ 58 , 125 ]…”

Social epidemiology of the Mediterranean-dietary approaches to stop hypertension intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet among early adolescents: the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study

“…21 Additionally, the DASH diet was protective against gastroesophageal reflux disease. 22 In Brazil, among a large adolescent sample (n = 71,553), no association was found between arterial hypertension or overweight/obesity and the DASH diet. 23,24 The MIND diet was designed for aging populations to improve brain health and is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality over 12 years, 25 slower cognitive decline, 8 decreased severity of anxiety disorders, 26 and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease 27 and Parkinson's disease.…”