GERD and GLP-1 medications
One of the primary ways GLP-1 medications work to suppress appetite is by delaying gastric emptying. This means that foods “sit” a little longer in your stomach so you feel fuller over a longer period of time, essentially slowing down your digestion. This is one of the reasons that may explain why so many folks experience some mild nausea on these medications. Another potential side effect is acid reflux or heartburn. If you experience these symptoms occasionally, that is common, but if you continue to experience these symptoms over the long-term, that may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a more severe and long-lasting condition in which acid reflux causes repeated symptoms that are bothersome or lead to complications over time. An estimated 1 in every 5 (20%) of American adults suffer from GERD.
If you are suffering from acid reflux or GERD, there are some changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle to help manage!
Check out these practical every day tips that may help you feel more comfortable:
- Limit very high-fat meals
- Limit fried foods
- Limit very spicy foods
- Limit acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus
- Limit chocolate
- Limit caffeine, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages
- Limit alcohol
- Limit laying down flat within an hour or two of eating
- Limit tight fitting clothing
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products
- Go for a short walk after meals
- Use a pillow or wedge to elevate your head while sleeping
- Eat smaller meals more frequently and stop eating when you feel full
If these tips don’t seem to help, you may benefit from some GERD-management medications — your Clinician may help make recommendations for you for over the counter options or advise you to discuss prescriptions with your primary care providers.
Keep in mind that there are two common types of GERD medicines that have been associated with B-12 deficiency to varying degrees. This risk increases significantly if taken for two or more years.
- H-2-receptor blockers: Examples include cimetidine, famotidine and ranitidine
- Proton pump inhibitors: Examples include omeprazole, esomeprazole and lansoprazole
If you are going to be on these medications long term, talk to your healthcare provider if a lower dose of your medicine will be able to help control your symptoms or whether you should take a vitamin B-12 supplement
Remember, GERD is not something to just ignore, as it can lead to more serious complications over time, such as:
- Inflammation of the tissue in the esophagus (esophagitis)
- Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture)
- Precancerous changes to the esophagus (Barrett esophagus)
- And other complications like chronic cough, hoarseness and laryngitis, disrupted sleep and the wearing away of tooth enamel.
The dietitians at WeightWatchers Clinic are here to help you with dietary management of side effects, evaluate your vitamin and mineral supplement needs, and support your weight health goals.