Chronicle_Cat
Well-Known Member
Is there anyone here who has GERD (GastroEsophagal Reflux Disease) who is trying or has tried Intermittent Fasting? What effect has it had on your GERD?
I'm asking because lately I've been doing 16-17 hour fast (after dinner until noon the next day). This morning before I got out of bed, I had rolled over to my right side and then I felt the slight beginning of acid reflux. (Acid reflux is worse on the right side, I usually sleep on the left.)
I have had GERD for about 10 years. I used to take a prescription med for it (the over the counter meds don't work for me) but stopped because of the association of proton pumps with Alzheimer's. Instead, I sleep on 6" medical elevated wedge which has helped tremendously and I rarely ever have symptoms now. (I also stopped drinking alcohol and coffee, my worst triggers.) As a result, I am symptom free most of the time.
I take GERD seriously because it can lead to Barrett's esophagus (cellular changes in the esophagus) which increases the risk of esophagal cancer. (My former GI diagnosed me with Barrett's but my current GI couldn't find any in my last endoscopy.)
I got up and after testing my blood broke my fast with a breakfast of meat, cheese and a small number of almonds and black tea because I didn't want this small amount of reflux to escalate into a full blown attack.
I'm considering whether I should do 16 hour fasts on alternate days or fast during the day (although it is so much easier doing these mostly nighttime fasts.) I've been told losing weight usually improves GERD too (although it won't fix my large hiatal hernia - a gift from 2 pregnancies.)
Thoughts? Suggestions?
I'm asking because lately I've been doing 16-17 hour fast (after dinner until noon the next day). This morning before I got out of bed, I had rolled over to my right side and then I felt the slight beginning of acid reflux. (Acid reflux is worse on the right side, I usually sleep on the left.)
I have had GERD for about 10 years. I used to take a prescription med for it (the over the counter meds don't work for me) but stopped because of the association of proton pumps with Alzheimer's. Instead, I sleep on 6" medical elevated wedge which has helped tremendously and I rarely ever have symptoms now. (I also stopped drinking alcohol and coffee, my worst triggers.) As a result, I am symptom free most of the time.
I take GERD seriously because it can lead to Barrett's esophagus (cellular changes in the esophagus) which increases the risk of esophagal cancer. (My former GI diagnosed me with Barrett's but my current GI couldn't find any in my last endoscopy.)
I got up and after testing my blood broke my fast with a breakfast of meat, cheese and a small number of almonds and black tea because I didn't want this small amount of reflux to escalate into a full blown attack.
I'm considering whether I should do 16 hour fasts on alternate days or fast during the day (although it is so much easier doing these mostly nighttime fasts.) I've been told losing weight usually improves GERD too (although it won't fix my large hiatal hernia - a gift from 2 pregnancies.)
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Last edited: