Are you taking medication for reflux?
Are you living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)?
If so, new research is showing that for some people with GORD, diet and lifestyle changes may help you manage your condition without relying on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication.
Gastroenterologist Dr Hamish Philpott at the Lyell McEwin Hospital is undertaking a world-first study to determine if diet and lifestyle can help people stop their PPI medication, which may have adverse side effects if taken long-term.
With support from The Hospital Research Foundation Group, Dr Philpott will work with about 60 GORD patients who have been screened and deemed suitable to safely attempt this diet and lifestyle approach.
“There has been recognition lately that PPIs may be over-prescribed in Australia, and that they may be linked to side effects including renal impairment and possibly dementia and premature mortality,” Dr Philpott said.
“As part of my study I will work closely with patients in a supervised program to provide advice about modifying their diet and the timing of meals, and potentially to lose weight if overweight.
“Patients will be assessed at regular four week intervals to see how they’re tracking and at the end of the study, we hope to see a lot less people taking PPI medication.”
GORD affects 10% of adults in Australia and is caused by excessive exposure of the oesophagus to gastric acid due to reflux.
If you would like to participate in this trial, phone 0421 227 551.
