Acid Reflux: A ‘Silent Epidemic’ Among Men, Warns Health Expert
Acid reflux is increasingly being recognized as a ‘silent epidemic’ among men, according to gut health expert Dr. Daryl Gioffre. This condition, which affects both genders, manifests more severely in men and can lead to serious complications such as Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. Dr. Gioffre, a certified nutritionist and author of ‘Get Off Your Acid’ and ‘Get Off Your Sugar,’ emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes and making lifestyle changes to mitigate the risk.
Key factors contributing to this epidemic include lifestyle choices and biological differences. Men tend to experience higher acid exposure and are nearly twice as likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition. Additionally, esophageal cancer is up to nine times more common in men, highlighting the severe consequences of unaddressed acid reflux. Dr. Gioffre attributes this disparity to a combination of factors including diet, stress, sleep issues, and the tendency of men to ignore symptoms.
Dr. Gioffre explains that the modern lifestyle creates a ‘pressure cooker’ for men’s digestive health. Chronic stress, poor sleep, consumption of processed foods, alcohol, and medication overuse all play a role in degrading gut health and digestion. Furthermore, men’s diets, often heavy in meat, alcohol, and ultraprocessed foods, exacerbate the problem. These dietary habits, combined with lifestyle behaviors such as late-night eating, large portions, and high caffeine intake, contribute to a ‘perfect storm’ for chronic inflammation and increased acid reflux risk.
Biological differences also play a significant role. Men produce less protective mucus and saliva, which are natural buffers against acid reflux. This reduces the body’s ability to neutralize acid and protect the esophagus from damage. Additionally, men tend to carry more visceral fat, which increases stomach pressure and allows acid to rise into the esophagus. Hormonal factors, such as lower estrogen levels compared to women, also contribute to a slower recovery from acid exposure, increasing the risk of long-term complications.
Dr. Gioffre recommends simple steps to mitigate the risk of acid reflux. One of the most critical is stopping eating at least three hours before bedtime, allowing the body time to digest and reduce acid levels. Avoiding common triggers like garlic, onions, spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, and carbonated water is also essential. Incorporating alkaline minerals, digestive enzymes, and a high-quality probiotic can support gut health. Additionally, practices such as grounding, deep breathing, and reconnecting with nature can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting digestion and reducing acid levels.
Quality sleep is another crucial aspect, as poor sleep increases cortisol levels, a stress hormone that hampers the body’s ability to rest and repair. High cortisol levels keep the body in a constant state of fight-or-flight, diverting blood flow away from the gut and slowing digestion. This leads to bloating, gas, and increased reflux. Dr. Gioffre emphasizes that addressing lifestyle factors and stress management are non-negotiable for healing acid reflux and restoring overall health.