Gut health expert Dr. Daryl Gioffre has sounded the alarm on acid reflux becoming a ‘silent epidemic’ among men, warning of severe health consequences if left untreated. The condition, known medically as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affects both genders but presents more severe symptoms and complications for men. According to studies, men are nearly twice as likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition linked to esophageal cancer, which is up to nine times more common in men. Gioffre emphasizes that while acid reflux is often dismissed as just heartburn, it signals systemic inflammation that can impact the gut, metabolism, and stress response. He attributes these risks to a combination of lifestyle factors, including chronic stress, poor sleep, overconsumption of processed foods, alcohol, and medication overuse, all of which contribute to a ‘pressure cooker’ environment that exacerbates gut issues. Additionally, biological differences such as lower production of protective mucus and saliva in men make them more vulnerable to the damaging effects of acid reflux. Gioffre outlines practical steps to mitigate these risks, including avoiding late-night eating, avoiding trigger foods, and incorporating alkaline-rich foods and probiotics into the diet. He also suggests lifestyle changes such as improved sleep habits, stress management, and reconnection with nature to support gut health and reduce acid reflux symptoms.