Walking and chewing reduce postprandial acid reflux

Abstract

Background: Gastro‐oesophageal reflux is worse after meals, and antacids are usually consumed after dietary indiscretion. Aim: To investigate whether walking or gum chewing affect meal‐induced gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Methods: The study population comprised 12 case subjects with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and 24 healthy controls. Each subject was studied using pH‐metry for 5 h on 3 separate days. After baseline recording of pH for 1 h, all subjects were fed a standard breakfast over a 20‐min period. On one of the days, oesophageal pH was recorded after the 20‐min eating period for an additional 4 h in the sitting position. On another day, postprandial oesophageal pH was recorded for the first hour whilst walking, and for 3 subsequent hours whilst sitting. During a third day, oesophageal pH was recorded for the first postprandial hour whilst gum‐chewing, followed by 3 h of sitting. Results: Food intake promoted gastro‐oesophageal reflux in case subjects with GERD as well as in healthy controls, although postprandial reflux was more pronounced amongst the refluxers than amongst the controls. Chewing gum for 1 h after the meal reduced the acid contact time in both groups, with a more profound effect in refluxers than in controls. Whilst the beneficial effect of 1‐h of gum‐chewing lasted for up to 3 h in both groups, the beneficial effect of 1‐h of walking was apparent only in refluxers, only to a mild degree, and only for a short duration. Conclusions: Chewing gum after a meal helps to reduce postprandial oesophageal acid exposure.

Change of Gastric Emptying With Chewing Gum: Evaluation Using a Continuous Real-Time C Breath Test (BreathID System)

“…According to another study, chewing gum increased the salivary flow rate and controlled acid reflux and the related symptoms 2. Gastric emptying may cause retention of solid foods, gastric distention, resultant increase of gastric acid secretion and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation 3,4. We hypothesized that chewing gum may increase chewing activity, saliva production, gastric motility and thereby accelerate the rate of gastric emptying.…”

Gastroesophageal Reflux: Management Guidance for the Pediatrician

“…The guidelines also point out that 3 independent studies have demonstrated decreased reflux episodes with postprandial chewing of sugarless gum. [45][46][47] …”

“…48 Other trials of PPI therapy support the efficacy of treatment of severe esophagitis and esophagitis refractory to H2RAs in children. 4,45 As in adults, PPIs are considered safe and generally well tolerated with relatively few adverse effects. In terms of their long-term use, published studies have reported PPI use for up to 11 years in small numbers of children.…”

Therapeutic Strategies for Laryngeal Manifestations of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

“…However, it is also suggested that exercise not be performed after a meal as the risk of esophageal acid exposure is increased. Regular mild exercise such as jogging (30 min, 5 d a week) can improve reflux by improving gastrointestinal motility 63 and by strengthening the diaphragm cruses. 64 Weight loss will be another additional benefit of regular exercise.…”