A gut health expert has raised alarms over an emerging ‘silent epidemic’ of acid reflux among men, highlighting its severe long-term health implications. While gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects both men and women, men are far more likely to suffer from complications, such as Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer. Research shows men have higher acid exposure and are nearly twice as likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition that increases cancer risk if left untreated. Esophageal cancer is up to nine times more common in men, underscoring their heightened vulnerability to the condition’s progression from chronic reflux to serious outcomes.
Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a certified nutritionist and author of ‘Get Off Your Acid’ and ‘Get Off Your Sugar,’ has warned that the rise in acid reflux among men is not just about heartburn but is tied to systemic inflammation that starts in the gut and spreads throughout the body. He describes acid reflux as the body’s ‘alarm system,’ signaling that the gut, metabolism, and stress response are out of balance. ‘This isn’t just about heartburn, but about systemic inflammation that starts in the gut and spreads throughout the body,’ Gioffre stated. ‘Acid reflux is the body’s alarm system, warning that the gut, metabolism and stress response are all out of balance.’
Gioffre also noted that men today are living in a ‘pressure cooker’ of lifestyle challenges contributing to poor gut health. Chronic stress, poor sleep, processed foods, alcohol, and medication overuse are all damaging gut and digestion. Men’s diets, often heavier in meat, alcohol, and ultraprocessed foods, combined with a tendency to ignore symptoms, create a ‘perfect storm’ for chronic inflammation and increased reflux risk. Late-night eating, larger portions, less fiber, and high caffeine intake all further exacerbate the issue. Gioffre emphasized that men’s reliance on convenience foods stripped of minerals and fiber plays a critical role in worsening their digestion and acid reflux.
Additionally, men’s physiological differences also contribute to their higher risk of severe gastrointestinal issues. Men produce less protective mucus and saliva—natural defenses that buffer acid when it backflows into the esophagus—making them more vulnerable when acid reflux strikes. Younger men also tend to carry more visceral (abdominal) fat, which increases pressure in the stomach and forces acid upward into the esophagus. Hormonal factors also play a role, with estrogen in women appearing to protect the esophagus by improving blood flow and mucosal repair, a protection men lack. Without these advantages, men’s tissue where reflux hits doesn’t recover as quickly from repeated acid exposure.
Gioffre urged men to take simple yet crucial steps to reduce their risk. He stressed the importance of eating at least three hours before bed, allowing time for full digestion and reducing acid accumulation in the stomach. Common food triggers include garlic, onions, spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, and carbonated water, all of which can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and allow acid to flow upward, causing heartburn. The expert also recommended incorporating alkaline-rich foods like leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, along with probiotics to support gut health. Starting the day with warm lemon water or tea with slippery elm can help soothe the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Gioffre concluded that lifestyle changes are essential for addressing acid reflux. He emphasized that while diet changes matter, they must be complemented by improved sleep, stress management, and overall lifestyle habits. ‘Quality sleep and stress management are non-negotiable if you want to restore your gut and calm acid at its root cause,’ he said. By adopting these measures, men can mitigate the long-term risks of acid reflux and improve their overall health outcomes.