Gastroenterologist Dr. Daryl Gioffre has raised serious concerns about the growing risks of acid reflux among men, labeling it a ‘silent epidemic.’ While gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects both genders, men experience more severe symptoms and greater likelihood of complications. Studies have found that men have a higher acid exposure rate and are nearly twice as likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition that may progress to esophageal cancer if left untreated. Esophageal cancer is up to nine times more common in men, increasing their chances of progressing from chronic reflux to serious health outcomes.
Gioffre, a gut health specialist and author of ‘Get Off Your Acid’ and ‘Get Off Your Sugar,’ explained that acid reflux is not just a simple issue of heartburn but a systemic inflammation that originates in the gut and spreads throughout the body. He pointed out that modern lifestyles contribute to a ‘pressure cooker’ environment for men, with chronic stress, poor sleep, processed foods, alcohol, and medication overuse damaging their gut health and digestion. Additionally, men’s dietary patterns, often heavier in meat, alcohol, and ultraprocessed foods, further amplify their risk of reflux. Lifestyle factors such as late-night eating, larger portions, less fiber, and high caffeine intake add to the problem.
Men also often skip meals, eat quickly, and rely on convenience foods that are stripped of essential minerals and fiber, exacerbating digestion issues. Over time, these behaviors lead to an ‘ongoing acid assault’ that erodes the gut lining and drives acid upward, potentially turning normal esophageal cells into precancerous Barrett’s cells. Gioffre highlighted three key components in ultraprocessed foods that worsen acid reflux: refined salt, sugar, and seed oils. These ingredients inflame the gut, weaken digestion, and impair the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that prevents acid from escaping into the esophagus.
Men’s higher caffeine consumption is another factor. On average, men drink two to three cups of coffee daily, often on an empty stomach, which increases acidity and the risk of reflux. Hormonal differences also play a role, as estrogen in women seems to offer protection to the esophagus by improving blood flow and mucosal repair. Men, with lower estrogen levels, suffer greater tissue damage from repeated acid exposure. Gioffre emphasized that while some risk factors are biological, many can be mitigated through lifestyle changes, such as avoiding eating too close to bedtime, reducing acid triggers, and improving sleep and stress management.
The expert outlined practical steps men can take to address acid reflux, including stopping eating three hours before bed to allow digestion and acid levels to stabilize. Recommended dietary adjustments include incorporating alkaline-rich foods like leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding common triggers such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits, and carbonated water. Probiotics and digestive enzymes may also help. Additionally, practices like grounding with nature, deep breathing, and maintaining quality sleep are essential for gut health and managing acid levels effectively.