Acid Reflux Becoming ‘Silent Epidemic’ Among Men, Research Warns
Gut health expert Dr. Daryl Gioffre has issued a dire warning that acid reflux is becoming a ‘silent epidemic’ among men, attributing this trend to a combination of lifestyle factors, biological differences, and neglected symptoms. He emphasizes that men are more prone to severe complications such as Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer due to higher acid exposure and a lack of protective mucus.
According to studies, men are nearly twice as likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition, compared to women. This is compounded by their higher likelihood of ignoring symptoms and not seeking timely treatment. Additionally, biological differences, such as men producing less protective mucus and saliva, make them more vulnerable to the damaging effects of acid reflux.
Gioffre attributes the prevalence of acid reflux among men to a range of lifestyle and environmental factors. These include chronic stress, poor sleep patterns, diets heavy in processed foods, alcohol consumption, and medication overuse. He also highlights that men often skip meals, eat too quickly, and rely on convenience foods that lack essential nutrients, further exacerbating the problem.
The expert warns that late-night eating and larger portions contribute to acid reflux. He recommends that men stop eating at least three hours before bedtime to allow their bodies to fully digest food and reduce acid levels. This is crucial because lying down after a meal can worsen reflux symptoms, leading to nighttime discomfort such as coughing, choking, and a sour taste in the mouth.
Gioffre also points out that certain foods and drinks are common triggers for acid reflux, including garlic, onions, spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, and carbonated beverages. These items can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
To combat these issues, the expert recommends incorporating alkaline-rich foods such as leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds into the diet. Drinking warm lemon water with honey or a tea with slippery elm in the morning can help soothe the upper GI tract and ease reflux. Staying hydrated throughout the day is also essential for maintaining digestive health.
In addition to dietary changes, Gioffre emphasizes the importance of stress management and quality sleep. Poor sleep can lead to increased cortisol levels, which put the body in a constant state of stress and prevent the digestive system from functioning properly. He encourages men to adopt grounding practices such as walking barefoot in nature, practicing deep breathing, or stepping outside after meals to promote gut health.
The expert concludes that while lifestyle changes are critical for managing acid reflux, they must be accompanied by a commitment to long-term health habits. “You can’t just change what you eat — you have to change how you live,” he said. “Quality sleep and stress management are non-negotiable if you want to restore your gut and calm acid at its root cause.”