The Fat Resistance Diet

Nutritional Alternatives

Acid suppressing therapy is primarily used to treat two kinds of problems:

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), which causes inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis)

Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)

GERD:

In gastroesophageal reflux (sometimes referred to as “hiatal hernia”), the contents of the stomach flow backward up the esophagus and may reach all the way to the mouth. Symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of food, sore throat, hoarse voice and cough. Although acid suppressors are commonly prescribed, GERD is not caused by excess production of acid. It is caused by failure of the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach (the LES or lower esophageal sphincter valve). This valve is usually closed and opens only for swallowing, so that it keeps the stomach contents out of the esophagus. Because acid is among the most irritating components of stomach juice, reducing the acid may reduce the irritation. But acid suppression doesn’t prevent reflux, it merely converts acid reflux into non-acid reflux.

The cause of reflux is the inappropriate opening of the LES and the usual cause of that is excessive fullness or distension of the stomach. To prevent reflux itself:

• Eat relatively small meals, frequently. This decreases stomach distension.
• Avoid very high fat foods. They directly weaken the LES.
• Avoid cigarette smoking and limit coffee, chocolate and alcohol. These directly weaken the LES.
• Don’t eat for 3 hours before lying down. When you’re upright, gravity works with you.
• Lose weight. Being overweight increases your risk of GERD.
• Don’t eat just before strenuous exercise. Strenuous exercise increases the tendency to GERD.
• Avoid foods that you know cause symptoms, until you’re better. So-called “acid” foods, like oranges and tomatoes, do not cause GERD, but they may irritate an already inflamed esophagus

These simple steps prevent symptoms of GERD in the majority of people and may allow you to avoid the use of acid-suppressing drugs. Many people have found complete relief of GERD with the Fat Resistance Diet, because it incorporates all of these principles in a healthy fashion.

Here are some simple therapies Dr. Galland has recommended to his patients, to prevent reflux when diet alone does not relieve all symptoms. Along with the Fat Resistance Diet, they have allowed 90% of people who use acid-lowering drugs to discontinue drug use:

Calcium. When dissolved in the stomach, calcium directly tightens the LES valve. This is not an antacid effect. In fact, the best type of calcium, because it is the most soluble, is calcium citrate, which is mildly acidic. The most effective preparation is calcium citrate powder, about 250 to 500 mg, dissolved in water, taken just after meals and at bedtime. Swallowing calcium pills does not prevent reflux because the calcium is not instantly dissolved. Calcium taken as powder is well absorbed, so that other types of calcium supplementation are not needed.

Digestive enzymes. These appear to work by decreasing distension of the stomach, a trigger for relaxation of the LES. The enzymes should be acid-resistant, so they work in the stomach itself, not in the small intestine. A powdered enzyme preparation (1/2 teaspoon) can be mixed together with the calcium powder and taken with it after each meal.

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