Gut health expert Dr. Daryl Gioffre has raised alarms about acid reflux becoming a ‘silent epidemic’ among men, emphasizing the severe health risks and complications it poses. While acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affects both men and women, men tend to experience more severe symptoms and are at a higher risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer if left untreated.
Studies indicate that men have higher acid exposure and are nearly twice as likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus, which is up to nine times more common in men than in women. The condition is a significant risk factor for esophageal cancer, making men more susceptible to progressing from chronic reflux to serious outcomes like cancer. Gioffre attributes this increased vulnerability to a combination of biological differences and lifestyle choices.
Biological factors include men producing less protective mucus and saliva, which act as the body’s natural defense against acid reflux. Additionally, men tend to carry more visceral fat, which increases internal pressure in the stomach and pushes acid up into the esophagus. Hormonal differences also play a role, as estrogen in women appears to offer protective benefits to the esophagus, which men lack.
Gioffre further explains that lifestyle choices significantly contribute to the problem. Men are often exposed to chronic stress, poor sleep, diets rich in processed foods, alcohol, and overuse of medications, all of which damage gut health and digestion. The typical male diet, heavier in meat and alcohol, combined with a tendency to ignore symptoms, creates a perfect storm for chronic inflammation and reflux.
Furthermore, men’s eating habits, such as late-night eating, large portions, and high caffeine intake, exacerbate the condition. The doctor emphasizes that men often skip meals, eat too quickly, and rely on convenience foods that are low in fiber and minerals, which worsen acid reflux. Over time, this ‘ongoing acid assault’ erodes the gut lining, drives acid upward, and transforms normal esophageal cells into precancerous Barrett’s cells, significantly increasing the risk of cancer.
Gioffre highlights the role of ultraprocessed foods, which contain refined salt, sugar, and seed oils. These components inflame the gut and weaken both digestion and the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve that keeps acid in the stomach. Men also tend to consume more coffee, often on an empty stomach, which dehydrates the body and spikes acidity, further increasing the risk of reflux.
To mitigate these risks, Gioffre recommends several lifestyle changes, including stopping eating three hours before bedtime to allow for proper digestion and reducing acid exposure. He also advises avoiding common triggers such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits, and carbonated water. Incorporating alkaline-rich foods, digestive enzymes, and high-quality probiotics can help restore gut health and reduce symptoms.
Moreover, improving sleep quality and managing stress are essential for long-term relief from acid reflux. Poor sleep leads to higher cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone, which keeps the body in a constant state of fight-or-flight, hindering digestion and repair processes. Simple grounding practices, like walking barefoot in nature, deep breathing, or stepping outside, can activate the parasympalhetic ‘rest-and-digest’ system, promoting gut health and keeping acid levels in check.
Ultimately, Gioffre stresses that healing acid reflux requires more than dietary changes; it demands a holistic approach to lifestyle and stress management. By addressing the root causes and making sustainable changes, men can significantly reduce their risk of severe complications and improve their overall health.