After many years of acid reflux, I was referred to a Gastroenterologist three years ago who diagnosed Barrett's Esophagus via endoscopy. I was put on Prevacid 30 mgm and given a sheet of foods, etc., to avoid. I studied it and, of course, most of the foods and drinks listed were also those that are beneficial for other maladies. I didn't like that at all.
The Prevacid was like a miracle drug and I've had only rare instances (one episode of GERD every few months) of reflux. I didn't avoid the items on the list as I had no reflux as a result. In fact, I was increasing the amount of red pepper (cayenne powder) on foods for its health benefits. No reaction at all.
I drink craft beers and have red wine on Sundays. My wife, a retired RN, thinks I should try to follow the dietary restrictions. I told her they don't adversely affect me, so why should I?
My only concern was this: was the Prevacid masking any reflux without symptoms? The Nurse Practitioner at the doctor's office said that shouldn't be the case. She said if I don't have any GERD symptoms, I don't have to avoid the "offending foods and drinks".
Now I read this article and it confirms my experience. I had an endoscopy a few weeks ago and am waiting on the results. In the meantime, I will enjoy tomatoes, spices, wine, and all the other "bad stuff" GERD people like me were told to avoid.
