Q: I have acquired an increasing incidence of GERD. Looking back, the symptoms seem to have started and escalated around four years ago when I first started on the Zone. Now, the GERD seems to act up a few times a year and lasts longer and longer. This time I can't shake it. Not only do I have more acid reflux, but it seems that my lower esophageal sphincter (LES) no longer shuts tightly as it should.
Could this be related to my much higher protein intake since I started on the Zone? If yes, what is it doing to my LES and how do I correct this? THANKS. The Zone has profoundly improved my life.
A: GERD is a consequence of overproduction of acid in the stomach. What I suggest is taking about 2.5 grams of EPA and DHA per day coupled with about 2 mg. of GLA. The small amounts of GLA can be metabolized into the eicosanoid PGE1 that will inhibit the acid secretion in the stomach. The combination of the Zone Diet and the extra EPA should minimize the conversion of the added GLA into arachidonic acid (i.e. toxic fat).