The impact of exercise on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Several studies have shown that, depending on the level of physical activity, symptoms of the upper digestive tract can be present in up to 58% of athletes; such as heartburn, regurgitation, burping.
It's not clear, though, how exercise affects how often it happens. Publications point to three possible causes: problems with the muscles of the esophagus caused by less blood flow to the mesentery, changes in the hormones and metabolism, and increased abdominal pressure that is linked to some physical activity. Changes in the esophagogastric junction and the LES tone, among other things, have been looked at as possible causes (hypotonia).
Reference
Mendes-Filho, A. M., Moraes-Filho, J. P., Nasi, A., Eisig, J. N., Rodrigues, T. N., Barbutti, R. C., Campos, J. M., & Chinzon, D. (2014). Influence of exercise testing in gastroesophageal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Arquivos brasileiros de cirurgia digestiva : ABCD = Brazilian archives of digestive surgery, 27(1), 3–8. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-67202014000100002
Possible side effects of various medications as per: Myoclinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/expert-answers/heartburn-gerd/faq-20058535
Medications and dietary supplements that can irritate your esophagus and cause heartburn pain include:
Bisphosphonates taken orally, such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) and risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia)
Iron supplements.
Quinidine.
Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin.
Potassium supplements
Medications and dietary supplements that can increase acid reflux and worsen GERD include:
Anticholinergics, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), prescribed for overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome
Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, others)
Calcium channel blockers, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and nitrates used for high blood pressure and heart disease
Narcotics (opioids), such as codeine, and those containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Norco, Vicodin, others)
Progesterone
Sedatives or tranquilizers, including benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and temazepam (Restoril)
Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theochron)
Testing for GERD
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy, stress test. blood test
However, strenuous exercise has the potential to be one of the many causes for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A significant number of athletes suffer from a variety of intestinal discomforts before, during, and after their exercises.
This is intriguing to me because the subject of my dissertation is regarding the internal digestive state of athletes. Every person has their own unique phylum of microbiota, that may have an impact on our health.
Gut health is another significant element that has to be given serious consideration. Due to the fact that many athletes routinely experiment with different nutrition combinations, they may end up developing gastrointestinal upset, which can negatively impact their performance.
In conclusion:
nutrition support cannot be general
athlete's diet should be individualized based on the athlete's gut health.
among athletes, bloating, gas, GERD and distention are common concerns
IMPORTANT:
The root of the problem needs to be identified as quickly as possible.
Make an appointment with your primary care physician to determine the source of the problem.
