For most people, heartburn is an occasional discomfort that causes temporary discomfort. But for some people, chronic heartburn can lead to more dangerous conditions, even precancerous conditions.
Approximately 10% of people who have chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease According to medical experts, gastroesophageal reflux disease develops Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which the lining of the lower esophagus is replaced with abnormal cells that are prone to cancer.
Some studies show that among people with Barrett’s esophagus, 3% to 13% will progress to: develop cancerbut most are not.
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“The stomach is designed to tolerate acid, but the esophagus is not,” Dr. Darryl Joffrey, a Florida-based gut health expert and certified nutritionist, told FOX News Digital.
“In the case of reflux, the danger isn’t the chest or throat burns; the real danger is the acid refluxing and constantly regurgitating.”
In most people, the lower esophageal sphincter, which Joffre calls the “acid gate,” keeps acid in the stomach and is lined with thick mucus and specialized cells designed to protect the stomach.
“But when the gate weakens, it loosens or stays slightly open, allowing the acid to flow back in the wrong direction,” he said. This “gate” is caused by magnesium deficiency, high stress, alcohol, lack of sleepdehydration, and late-night snacking can interfere with healthy digestion.
Doctors say that when acid hits the esophagus, it irritates tissues that are not designed to withstand acid.
“Every time the acid comes back in the wrong direction, it damages the lining like a slow chemical burn,” says Joffre, who is also the author of Get Off Your Acid and Get Off Your Sugar. Over time, that irritation can erode the lining, cause inflammation, and change cells.
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“These new cells are no longer normal esophagus cells. Because these cells can withstand acid, they begin to transform into cells that more closely resemble the lining of the stomach,” the doctor said. “That change is called metaplasia, or Barrett’s esophagus.”
As cells begin to change, the risk of further mutations increases. If this process continues, Dr. Joffre warned, it can progress to the previous stage, dysplasia. esophageal cancer.
“So the real danger isn’t heartburn,” he summed up. “This is where repeated acid exposure forces the esophagus to adapt in a way it wasn’t intended to. By correcting the reflux at the base, you stop this entire cascade before cellular changes begin.”
Men generally high risk Joffre warns that this is because they burn magnesium faster and tend to push visceral fat up into the stomach, eating heavy meals and snacking late at night. All of these activities weaken the acid gate and cause it to stop functioning. healthy digestion.
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“Eating within three hours of lying down almost guarantees your stomach won’t be empty, which is one of the biggest contributors to nocturnal reflux,” he says. “In addition, men often ignore or hide their symptoms. PPIs and antacids Rather than solving the root cause. ”
All of these factors contribute to a “perfect storm” of chronic inflammation and long-term damage, according to Joffre.
There are certain red flags that indicate acid reflux is more than a temporary discomfort and is becoming permanent and chronic.
“If those burns become more frequent, more intense, or start showing up even when you’re not eating, your body is waving a big red flag,” says Joffre.
Difficulty swallowing, feeling like food is “stuck,” chronic hoarseness, constant coughAccording to doctors, a cough in the throat, the sensation of a lump in the throat, are all signs that acid is moving upward into areas it should never reach.
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“Sores in the throat and mouth are another sign that the acid is causing major damage,” he warned.
“Another big red flag is when reflux changes from something you notice occasionally to something you feel every day or night, or when PPIs or antacids stop working,” Joffre said. “That usually means the lining is inflamed and eroded, and it may already be changing at the cellular level.”
Unexplained weight loss, blood vomiting and black stools are all serious symptoms that require immediate attention, the doctor added.
“The bottom line is that when reflux becomes persistent and chronic and starts to affect swallowing, voice, and the tissues of the mouth and throat, it’s no longer just a nuisance,” Joffre told Fox News Digital. “That’s the point where the esophagus might be moving in the next direction. pre-cancerous conditionEspecially men can’t afford to wait. ”
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Joffre shared the next important steps to prevent acid reflux and improve your digestive health.
Doctors recommend that you stop eating three hours before going to bed. “If you eat late, your stomach won’t empty, pressure will build, and your acid gate will relax, allowing acid to move upward into your esophagus while you sleep.”
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Reflux at night is the most dangerous. Acid stays in the esophagus for hours deep inflammation And there are long-term cellular changes, he warned. “This one rule alone can dramatically lower your risk of acid reflux and cancer.”
When stomach acid is low, the lower esophageal sphincter loses tone, allowing stomach acid to move upward instead of staying in the stomach, Joffre said.
“The quickest way to close that gate is to increase mineral reserves, especially magnesium,” he says.
The best way to do this is to eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods like avocados, spinach, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, quinoa, and almonds, and consider adding in clean foods. magnesium supplement.
Joffre says the quickest way to protect the esophagus is to remove or neutralize it. food and habits It weakens the acid gate and pushes the acid in the wrong direction.
For people who cannot completely eliminate these triggers, certain habits can help reduce the strength and pressure of the acid and neutralize its effects before it reaches the esophagus.
“Drinking most of your water early in the day helps. Drinking water at night stretches your stomach and loosens the entry points for acids, and lying down makes it easier for acids to flow in the wrong direction,” he said.
He also recommends reducing the intake of alcohol and caffeineboth provide instant relief from acid gates.
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Others Main fuel triggers Doctors say reflux cycles include chocolate, spicy foods, garlic, onions, sugar, ultra-processed foods, and heavy meals at night.
“These foods and habits weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, causing inflammation and pushing pressure upwards,” he says. “This is exactly how a little heartburn turns into chronic reflux, slowly causing the kind of damage to the esophagus that puts it at risk for cancer.”
