Association Between Beverage Intake and Incidence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms

Effects of Coffee on Gut Microbiota and Bowel Functions in Health and Diseases: A Literature Review

Background and objectives: As one of the most popular beverages in the world, coffee has long been known to affect bowel functions such as motility, secretion, and absorption. Recent evidence obtained in human and animal studies suggests that coffee has modulating impacts on gut microbiota. We aim to present an overview of the specific effects of coffee on gut microbiota composition, diversity, and growth. We will also critically review the impacts of coffee on bowel functions in health and diseases and discuss whether gut microbiota play a role in the coffee-associated functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: We searched the literature up to June 2024 through PubMed, Web of Science, and other sources using search terms such as coffee, caffeine, microbiota, gastrointestinal infection, motility, secretion, gut-brain axis, absorption, and medication interaction. Clinical research in patients and preclinical studies in rodent animals were included. Results: A majority of the studies found that moderate consumption of coffee (<4 cups a day) increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial phyla such as Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and decreased Bacteroidetes. Moderate coffee consumption also increased Bifidobacterium spp. and decreased the abundance of Enterobacteria. Coffee consumption is reported to increase gut microbiota diversity. Although the effects of coffee on bowel functions have been known for a long time, it is not until recently that we have recognized that some of the effects of coffee may be partly due to its impacts on microbiota. Conclusions: The current literature suggests that moderate coffee consumption has beneficial effects on oral and gut microbiota and motility function. However, excessive coffee intake (>5 cups a day) is implicated in reflux disorders, periodontal diseases, and progression of Crohn's disease. Further research in the field is needed, as there are many conflicting results regarding the impacts of coffee in the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus causes symptoms and/or complications. The prevalence of GERD in Western societies has been estimated at 30%, making it one of the most commonly encountered disorders in primary care. The spectrum of GERD includes typical symptoms of esophageal reflux (heartburn and/or regurgitation); esophageal injury (erosive esophagitis; stricture; Barrett esophagus; and, rarely, adenocarcinoma); and extraesophageal symptoms, such as hoarseness and chronic cough. Proper diagnosis and treatment of GERD includes symptom control, exclusion of other disorders, avoiding overuse of medications and invasive testing, and minimizing complications.

Different effects of 24 dietary intakes on gastroesophageal reflux disease: A mendelian randomization

BACKGROUND

In observational studies, dietary intakes are associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

AIM

To conduct a two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine whether those associations are causal.

METHODS

To explore the relationship between dietary intake and the risk of GERD, we extracted appropriate single nucleotide polymorphisms from genome-wide association study data on 24 dietary intakes. Three methods were adopted for data analysis: Inverse variance weighting, weighted median methods, and MR-Egger's method. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the causal association between dietary intake and GERD.

RESULTS

Our univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR) results showed significant evidence that pork intake (OR, 2.83; 95%CI: 1.76-4.55; P = 1.84 × 10-5), beer intake (OR, 2.70, 95%CI: 2.00-3.64; P = 6.54 × 10-11), non-oily fish intake (OR, 2.41; 95%CI: 1.49-3.91; P = 3.59 × 10-4) have a protective effect on GERD. In addition, dried fruit intake (OR, 0.37; 95%CI: 0.27-0.50; 6.27 × 10-11), red wine intake (OR, 0.34; 95%CI: 0.25-0.47; P = 1.90 × 10-11), cheese intake (OR, 0.46; 95%CI: 0.39-0.55; P =3.73 × 10-19), bread intake (OR, 0.72; 95%CI: 0.56-0.92; P = 0.0009) and cereal intake (OR, 0.45; 95%CI: 0.36-0.57; P = 2.07 × 10-11) were negatively associated with the risk of GERD. There was a suggestive association for genetically predicted coffee intake (OR per one SD increase, 1.22, 95%CI: 1.03-1.44; P = 0.019). Multivariate Mendelian randomization further confirmed that dried fruit intake, red wine intake, cheese intake, and cereal intake directly affected GERD. In contrast, the impact of pork intake, beer intake, non-oily fish intake, and bread intake on GERD was partly driven by the common risk factors for GERD. However, after adjusting for all four elements, there was no longer a suggestive association between coffee intake and GERD.

CONCLUSION

This study provides MR evidence to support the causal relationship between a broad range of dietary intake and GERD, providing new insights for the treatment and prevention of GERD.

The association between tea consumption and non-malignant digestive system diseases: A Mendelian randomized study

BACKGROUND

Tea consumption might be closely related to non-malignant digestive diseases. Nevertheless, this correlation remains inadequately comprehended. Therefore, our objective was to elucidate the essence of these connections.

METHODS

This study employed a Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the impact of tea consumption on specific digestive disorders. Genetic data associated with tea consumption were obtained from the UK Biobank (UKB), encompassing 447,485 participants. We chose a gene-wide association study with no sample overlap and UKB as our data source for all outcomes. The primary analytical method utilized was inverse variance weighting, and multiple analytical models were employed to enhance the analysis's reliability and ensure robust results.

RESULT

Our investigation revealed that tea consumption was linked to an elevated susceptibility to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there was a lack of substantial evidence suggesting an association between tea intake and Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the excessive consumption of tea may heighten the likelihood of GERD. These results hold potential significance in guiding dietary pattern modifications for individuals with GERD. Furthermore, there may be value in implementing GERD monitoring and preventive measures in populations with elevated tea consumption.

The Efficacy of Dietary Interventions in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies

BACKGROUND

International guidelines recommend dietary interventions as one of the most important treatments for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Evidence to confirm the efficacy of these treatment modalities is lacking. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of dietary interventions on GERD-related outcomes evaluated in intervention studies on GERD patients.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases were utilized for the literature search. Two independent researchers searched for relevant publications published up until June 2023. Intervention studies evaluating the efficacy of dietary interventions in patients with GERD were included.

RESULTS

A total of 577 articles were identified during the initial literature search. After reviewing, 21 studies with 16 different types of dietary interventions were included in the analysis. The interventions were divided into low-carbohydrate diets (3 studies), high-fat diets (2 studies), speed of eating studies (3 studies), low-FODMAP diets (2 studies), and other interventions (12 studies). A meta-analysis could be performed for low-carbohydrate diets and speed of eating interventions. Low-carbohydrate diets resulted in a significant reduction in esophageal acid exposure time (mean difference = -2.834%, 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.554 to -1.114), while a slow speed of eating did not lead to a lower percentage of reflux events compared to fast eating (risk ratio = 1.044, 95% CI: 0.543-2.004). Most other interventions showed positive effects in only a single study.

CONCLUSION

Low-carbohydrate diets showed a significant improvement in GERD-related outcomes, while a slow eating speed did not result in a reduction in reflux events. The overall evidence regarding dietary interventions in GERD remains scarce. High-quality, long-term RCTs are still required to confirm the effects of dietary interventions in GERD patients.

Management advice for patients with reflux-like symptoms: an evidence-based consensus

Patients with reflux-like symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) are often not well advised on implementing individualised strategies to help control their symptoms using dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, behavioural changes or fast-acting rescue therapies. One reason for this may be the lack of emphasis in management guidelines owing to 'low-quality' evidence and a paucity of interventional studies. Thus, a panel of 11 gastroenterologists and primary care doctors used the Delphi method to develop consolidated advice for patients based on expert consensus. A steering committee selected topics for literature searches using the PubMed database, and a modified Delphi process including two online meetings and two rounds of voting was conducted to generate consensus statements based on prespecified criteria (67% voting 'strongly agree' or 'agree with minor reservation'). After expert discussion and two rounds of voting, 21 consensus statements were generated, and assigned strength of evidence and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) rating. Eleven statements achieved the strongest (100%) agreement: five are related to diet and include identification and avoidance of dietary triggers, limiting alcohol, coffee and carbonated beverages, and advising patients troubled by postprandial symptoms not to overeat; the remaining six statements concern advice around smoking cessation, weight loss, raising the head-of-the-bed, avoiding recumbency after meals, stress reduction and alginate use. The aim of developing the consensus statements is that they may serve as a foundation for tools and advice that can routinely help patients with reflux-like symptoms better understand the causes of their symptoms and manage their individual risk factors and triggers.

Current complementary and alternative therapy forgastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widely prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, affecting ∼13.3% of the global population. There are shortages and limitations of current GERD treatment modalities, and complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) is a promising option to fill in the gap. Dietary and lifestyle modifications might play an important and complementary role in alleviating GERD symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine and brain-gut behavior therapy, particularly transcutaneous electrical acustimulation and diaphragmatic breathing therapy were shown to be useful adjuncts or alternatives in treating GERD. CAT may help to relieve GERD symptoms, minimize medication dosage, and slow the demand for surgery. The aim of this review was to summarize the existing evidence of some common CATs in treating symptomatic GERD, including dietary modification, lifestyle change, traditional Chinese medicine, and brain-gut behavior therapy.

Role of Nutrition in Gastroesophageal Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There remains a paucity of data on the efficacy of nutritional interventions in luminal gastrointestinal disorders. This review appraises the evidence supporting dietary modification in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Alhough the use of elimination diets; high fat/low carb; low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols; and lactose-free diets in GERD have been studied, the evidence supporting their efficacy remains weak and mixed. Patients with GERD should avoid eating within 3 hours of lying recumbent. Studied dietary interventions for disorders of gut-brain interaction include low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols and gluten-restricted and lactose-free diets. While all can be effective in carefully, individually selected patients, the evidence for each intervention remains low. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, enteral nutrition is established in pediatric populations as useful in reducing inflammation and partial enteral nutrition has a growing evidence base for use in adults and children. Specific carbohydrate diets and the Crohn's disease exclusion diet show promising evidence but require further study to validate their efficacy prior to recommendation. Overall, the evidence supporting nutritional therapy across luminal gastrointestinal disorders is mixed and often weak, with few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating consistent efficacy of interventions. RCTs, particularly cross-over RCTs, show potential to compare dietary interventions.

Food, Dietary Patterns, or Is Eating Behavior to Blame? Analyzing the Nutritional Aspects of Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by postprandial fullness, early satiation, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning. The pathophysiology of the disease is not fully elucidated and there is no permanent cure, although some therapies (drugs or herbal remedies) try to reduce the symptoms. Diet plays a critical role in either the reduction or the exacerbation of functional dyspepsia symptoms; therefore dietary management is considered to be of high importance. Several foods have been suggested to be associated with worsening functional dyspepsia, such as fatty and spicy foods, soft drinks, and others, and other foods are thought to alleviate symptoms, such as apples, rice, bread, olive oil, yogurt, and others. Although an association between functional dyspepsia and irregular eating habits (abnormal meal frequency, skipping meals, late-night snacking, dining out, etc.) has been established, not many dietary patterns have been reported as potential factors that influence the severity of functional dyspepsia. A higher adherence to Western diets and a lower adherence to FODMAPs diets and healthy patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, can contribute to the worsening of symptoms. More research is needed on the role of specific foods, dietary patterns, or specific eating habits in the management of functional dyspepsia.

[Current possibilities and challenges in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux]

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is characterized by backflow of gastric or gastroduodenal content and gases into the upper aerodigestive tract, which can damage the mucus membranes of the larynx and pharynx. It is associated with a variety of symptoms such as retrosternal burning and acid regurgitation, or other unspecific symptoms such as hoarseness, globus sensation, chronic cough, or mucus hypersecretion. Due to the lack of data and the heterogeneity of studies, diagnosis of LPR is problematic and challenging, as recently discussed. Moreover, the different therapeutic approaches are also discussed controversially in the face of the poor evidence base, and include pharmacologic and conservative dietary measures. Hence, in the following review, the available options for treatment of LPR are critically discussed and summarized for daily clinical use.

Overlapping activation pattern of bitter taste receptors affect sensory adaptation and food perception

The composition of menus and the sequence of foodstuffs consumed during a meal underlies elaborate rules. However, the molecular foundations for the observed taste- and pleasure-raising effects of complex menus are obscure. The molecular identification and characterization of taste receptors can help to gain insight into the complex interrelationships of food items and beverages during meals. In our study, we quantified important bitter compounds in chicory and chicory-based surrogate coffee and used them to identify responsive bitter taste receptors. The two receptors, TAS2R43 and TAS2R46, are exquisitely sensitive to lactucin, lactucopicrin, and 11β,13-dihydrolactucin. Sensory testing demonstrated a profound influence of the sequence of consumption of chicory, surrogate coffee, and roasted coffee on the perceived bitterness by human volunteers. These findings pave the way for a molecular understanding of some of the mixture effects underlying empirical meal compositions.

Prevalence and risk factors of belching disorders: A cross-sectional study among freshman college students

OBJECTIVES

Belching disorders seriously affect quality of life; however, their prevalences and risk factors remain unknown. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors, particularly lifestyle factors, of belching disorders among freshman college students in central China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2019 in Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan, Hubei Province, China). The subjects were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire for data collection, including sociodemographic information, lifestyle factors, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Belching disorder was diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for belching disorders.

RESULTS

A total of 3335 subjects were enrolled, and 78.26% were men. Among them, 1.95% (65/3335) reported belching disorders. Significant differences in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Student-Life Stress Inventory (SLSI) scores, and consumption of whole grains, black tea, coffee were found between the belching and non-belching groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that coffee consumption at least once weekly and a high total SLSI score (over mean + standard deviation) were independent risk factors for belching disorders, while intake of whole grains at least once weekly was a protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive belching is a common disorder among freshman college students in central China. Lifestyle factors, including consumption of whole grains and coffee, and stress, were associated with belching disorders. Therefore, dietary intervention may be a potential management for belching disorders.

Association between water source and chronic gastrointestinal diseases in Chinese: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Background

Gastrointestinal health is closely associated with the quality of the water supply. However, long-term associations between the water supply type and chronic gastrointestinal disease (CGD) are unclear.

Method

The water supply was categorized as "tap-water" or "non-tap water" use. Changes in water source use were categorized into four types: "non-tap water both at baseline and in follow-ups," "non-tap water at baseline and tap-water in follow-ups," "tap-water at baseline and non-tap water in follow-ups," or "tap-water at baseline and in follow-ups." We explored the association between tap-water use (and changes therein) and the risk of CGD in a cross-sectional and longitudinal population study based on national cohort data from 2011 to 2018.

Results

After the inclusion and exclusion process, 13,332 and 9,688 participants were included in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. Tap-water use was associated with fewer CGD cases at baseline (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.07). Tap-water use at baseline was associated with significantly lower incidence of CGD in follow-ups (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.90). Compared with consistent non-tap water use in both baseline and follow-ups, switching from non-tap water to tap-water use in follow-ups was associated with a lower risk of CGD (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.97), tap water use at both baseline and in follow-ups was associated with a lower risk of CGD (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.88). The decreased risk of CGD followed a linear trend (P _fortrend < 0.01). Adjustment for indoor solid fuel use and outdoor air pollution exposure to PM_2.5 did not change the association between tap water use and CGD.

Conclusion

Tap water use was associated with a reduced risk of incident CGD. The results from this study should aid in effect assessment for water purification strategies and public decision support for gastrointestinal health management.

Effect of Dewaxed Coffee on Gastroesophageal Symptoms in Patients with GERD: A Randomized Pilot Study

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is multifactorial pathogenesis characterized by the abnormal reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Symptoms are worse after the ingestion of certain foods, such as coffee. Hence, a randomized pilot study conducted on 40 Italian subjects was assessed to verify the effect of standard (SC) and dewaxed coffee (DC) consumption on gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. The assessment of patient diaries highlighted a significant percentage reduction of symptoms frequency when consuming DC and a significant increase in both heartburn-free and regurgitation-free days. Consequentially, patients had a significant increase of antacid-free days during the DC assumption. Moreover, the polyphenolic profile of coffee pods was ascertained through UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis. Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) were the most abundant investigated compounds with a concentration level ranging between 7.316 (DC) and 6.721 mg/g (SC). Apart from CGAs, caffeine was quantified at a concentration level of 5.691 mg/g and 11.091 for DC and SC, respectively. While still preliminary, data obtained from the present pilot study provide promising evidence for the efficacy of DC consumption in patients with GERD. Therefore, this treatment might represent a feasible way to make coffee more digestible and better tolerated.

Evidence-Based and Emerging Dietary Approaches to Upper Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction

Food ingestion is a major symptom trigger in functional esophageal and gastroduodenal disorders and gastroparesis. This review summarizes current knowledge and identifies areas of research on the role of food factors and the opportunities for dietary intervention in these disorders. While many patients experiencing functional esophageal and gastroduodenal disorders identify specific food items as symptom triggers, available data do not allow the identification of specific nutrient groups that are more likely to induce symptoms. In functional dyspepsia (FD), recent studies have shown the potential efficacy of a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, although the underlying mechanism of action is unclear. Reports of favorable responses to gluten elimination in patients with FD are confounded by the concomitant benefit of reduced intake of fructans, fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols present in wheat. Emerging data based on a 6-food elimination diet and confocal laser endomicroscopic evaluation of mucosal responses to food proteins suggest a role for duodenal allergic reactions in FD symptom generation. In patients with gastroparesis, a low-residue diet has been shown to improve symptoms. Novel dietary approaches under evaluation are the Mediterranean diet and the heating/cooling diet approach.

The impact of low-fat and full-fat dairy foods on symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease: an exploratory analysis based on a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widely prevalent condition. High consumption of dairy foods and dietary fat are associated with worse GERD symptoms. However, existing data are inconsistent and mostly based on observational studies. The purpose of this exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial was to investigate the impact of low-fat and full-fat dairy food consumption on GERD symptoms.

METHODS

Seventy-two participants with metabolic syndrome completed a 4-week wash-in diet during which dairy intake was limited to three servings of nonfat milk per week. Participants were then randomized to either continue the limited dairy diet or switch to a diet containing 3.3 servings per day of either low-fat or full-fat milk, yogurt and cheese for 12 weeks. Here, we report intervention effects on the frequency of acid reflux, and the frequency and severity of heartburn, exploratory endpoints assessed by a questionnaire administered before and after the 12-week intervention.

RESULTS

In the per-protocol analysis (n = 63), there was no differential intervention effect on a cumulative heartburn score (p = 0.443 for the time by diet interaction in the overall repeated measures analysis of variance). Similarly, the intervention groups did not differentially affect the odds of experiencing acid regurgitation (p = 0.651). The intent-to-treat analyses (n = 72) yielded similar results.

CONCLUSION

Our exploratory analyses suggest that, in men and women with the metabolic syndrome, increasing the consumption of either low-fat or full-fat dairy foods to at least three servings per day does not affect common symptoms of GERD, heartburn and acid regurgitation compared to a diet limited in dairy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02663544, registered on January 26, 2016.

Coffee consumption and gastric cancer: a pooled analysis from the Stomach cancer Pooling Project consortium

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate and quantify the relationship between coffee and gastric cancer using a uniquely large dataset from an international consortium of observational studies on gastric cancer, including data from 18 studies, for a total of 8198 cases and 21 419 controls.

METHODS

A two-stage approach was used to obtain the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for coffee drinkers versus never or rare drinkers. A one-stage logistic mixed-effects model with a random intercept for each study was used to estimate the dose-response relationship. Estimates were adjusted for sex, age and the main recognized risk factors for gastric cancer.

RESULTS

Compared to never or rare coffee drinkers, the estimated pooled OR for coffee drinkers was 1.03 (95% CI, 0.94-1.13). When the amount of coffee intake was considered, the pooled ORs were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.81-1.03) for drinkers of 1-2 cups per day, 0.95 (95% CI, 0.82-1.10) for 3-4 cups, and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.79-1.15) for five or more cups. An OR of 1.20 (95% CI, 0.91-1.58) was found for heavy coffee drinkers (seven or more cups of caffeinated coffee per day). A positive association emerged for high coffee intake (five or more cups per day) for gastric cardia cancer only.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings better quantify the previously available evidence of the absence of a relevant association between coffee consumption and gastric cancer.

Adiposity, diabetes, lifestyle factors and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a Mendelian randomization study

Adiposity, diabetes, and lifestyle factors are linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in observational studies. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to determine whether those associations are causal. Independent genetic variants associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (with and without adjustment for BMI), type 2 diabetes, smoking, and alcohol, coffee and caffeine consumption at the genome-wide significance level were selected as instrumental variables. Summary-level data for GERD were available from a genome-wide association meta-analysis of 71,522 GERD cases and 261,079 controls of European descent from the UK Biobank and QSkin Sun and Health studies. The odds ratio (OR) of GERD was 1.49 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.40-1.60) for one standard deviation (SD) increase in BMI, 1.07 (95% CI, 1.04-1.10) for one-unit increase in log-transformed OR of type 2 diabetes, and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.31-1.52) for one SD increase in prevalence of smoking initiation. There were suggestive associations with GERD for higher genetically predicted waist circumference (OR per one SD increase, 1.14, 95% CI, 1.02-1.26) and caffeine consumption (OR per 80 mg increase, 1.08, 95% CI, 1.02-1.15). Genetically predicted waist circumference adjusted for BMI, alcohol or coffee consumption was not associated GERD. This study suggests causal roles of adiposity, diabetes, and smoking, and a possible role of high caffeine consumption in the development of GERD.

Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Review and Literature Update

The objective of the present research was to review the state of the art on the consequences of drinking coffee at the different levels of the gastrointestinal tract. At some steps of the digestive process, the effects of coffee consumption seem rather clear. This is the case for the stimulation of gastric acid secretion, the stimulation of biliary and pancreatic secretion, the reduction of gallstone risk, the stimulation of colic motility, and changes in the composition of gut microbiota. Other aspects are still controversial, such as the possibility for coffee to affect gastro-esophageal reflux, peptic ulcers, and intestinal inflammatory diseases. This review also includes a brief summary on the lack of association between coffee consumption and cancer of the different digestive organs, and points to the powerful protective effect of coffee against the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. This review reports the available evidence on different topics and identifies the areas that would most benefit from additional studies.

ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) continues to be among the most common diseases seen by gastroenterologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians. Our understanding of the varied presentations of GERD, enhancements in diagnostic testing, and approach to patient management have evolved. During this time, scrutiny of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has increased considerably. Although PPIs remain the medical treatment of choice for GERD, multiple publications have raised questions about adverse events, raising doubts about the safety of long-term use and increasing concern about overprescribing of PPIs. New data regarding the potential for surgical and endoscopic interventions have emerged. In this new document, we provide updated, evidence-based recommendations and practical guidance for the evaluation and management of GERD, including pharmacologic, lifestyle, surgical, and endoscopic management. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to evaluate the evidence and the strength of recommendations. Key concepts and suggestions that as of this writing do not have sufficient evidence to grade are also provided.

Diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis in eosinophilic oesophagitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) may lead to severe complications if not promptly recognised.

AIMS

To assess the diagnostic delay in patients with EoE and to explore its risk factors.

METHODS

EoE patients followed-up at eight clinics were included via retrospective chart review. Diagnostic delay was estimated as the time lapse occurring between the appearance of the first likely symptoms indicative of EoE and the final diagnosis. Patient-dependent and physician-dependent diagnostic delays were assessed. Multivariable regression models were computed.

RESULTS

261 patients with EoE (mean age 34±14 years; M:F ratio=3:1) were included. The median overall diagnostic delay was 36 months (IQR 12-88), while patient- and physician-dependent diagnostic delays were 18 months (IQR 5-49) and 6 months (IQR 1-24). Patient-dependent delay was greater compared to physician-dependent delay (95% CI 5.1-19.3, p<0.001). A previous misdiagnosis was formulated in 109 cases (41.8%; gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in 67 patients, 25.7%). The variables significantly associated with greater overall diagnostic delay were being a non-smoker, >1 episode of food impaction, previous endoscopy with no biopsies, regurgitation, and ≥2 assessing physicians. Being single was significantly associated with lower overall and patient-dependent diagnostic delay.

CONCLUSION

EoE is burdened by substantial diagnostic delay, depending on both patient-related and physician-related factors.

Using Diet to Treat Diseases of Esophagus: Back to the Basics

The esophagus plays a crucial role in oral nutrition and digestive pathophysiology. In addition, diet is now considered an important primary or augmentative therapy in several esophageal disease states. This review highlights common dietary therapies used in treating diseases of the esophagus as well as the underlying data that support such practices. Specially, diet and its relationship to swallowing dysfunction, motility disorders, malignancies, and inflammatory mucosal diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and eosinophilic esophagitis is explored.

Systematic assessment of environmental factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Side effects of long-term acid suppression have increased the scholars' interest in nonpharmacologic intervention.

AIMS

We summarized an umbrella review of the association between environmental factors and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and assessed their credibility.

METHODS

We appraised systematic reviews and meta-analyses. For each meta-analysis, we considered the effect size, 95% confidence interval, the heterogeneity, small-study effects, P-value for excess significance and largest study significant, then we graded the evidence according to Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews and the GRADE assessment.

RESULTS

23 publications met the inclusion criteria (13 meta-analyses and 10 systematic reviews), which evaluated 24 environmental factors. Among observational studies, we identified 7 risk factors: overweight/obesity [GERD/erosive esophagitis (EE)/GERD symptom], central adiposity [EE], smoking [GERD], alcohol [GERD/EE/non-erosive reflux disease (NERD)], NSAID [GERD], coffee [EE], Helicobacter pylori eradication [EE], and 1 protective factor: physical activity [GERD], this was based on a suggestive evidence of credibility. Across intervention studies, we identified 1 risk factor-Helicobacter pylori eradication [GERD] and 1 protective factor-breathing exercises [GERD], evidence for both was low grade.

CONCLUSIONS

We found varying levels of evidence for different environmental factors of GERD. None of them was proven to be convincing or highly recommended.

Acidic food choice among adolescents with bulimic symptomatology: a major risk factor for erosive tooth wear?

PURPOSE

Evaluate dietary habits and the presence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) among female adolescents with varying severity of bulimic symptomatology.

METHODS

An explanatory study was conducted with 72 female school adolescents with bulimic symptomatology, aged 15-18 years in Southeastern Brazil. Dietary habits were evaluated through a food frequency questionnaire. Bulimic symptomatology was evaluated and classified (mild, moderate and severe) according to the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh. ETW examinations were performed. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney tests and Poisson regression. Ethical approval and informed consents were obtained.

RESULTS

The final population consisted of 62 participants. The prevalence of ETW differed among adolescents with mild, moderate and severe bulimic symptomatology (p = 0.001), corresponding to 5.9%, 8.0% and 45.0%, respectively. Adolescents with severe bulimic symptomatology presented higher daily consumption of acidic food: citric fruits (p < 0.005), diet soda (p < 0.009) and ketchup (p = 0.004). No difference related to vomiting practices was observed between groups (p = 0.060). The adjusted regression model showed that a higher prevalence of ETW was associated with self-induced vomit at least once a week (PR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.00-5.86, p = 0.05) and higher frequencies of consumption of citric fruits (PR = 7.96, 95% CI = 1.50-42.11, p = 0.015) and diet soda (PR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.09-4.91, p = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

It was the food choices (acidic food) and not purging practices that differed among adolescents with varying severity of bulimic symptomology. Likewise, higher consumption of citric fruits was the main factor associated with higher prevalence of ETW.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III case-control analytic study.

Association of Diet and Lifestyle With the Risk of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in US Women

This cohort study evaluated the joint association of dietary and lifestyle factors with risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms among women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II.

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice and human cancer: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies

Background: Several epidemiological studies have assessed the association of sugary drinks consumption with cancer, but the results remain controversial. Objective: We performed this analysis to evaluate possible causal relationship between sugary drinks consumption and cancer risk and mortality. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases in English. Observational studies evaluating the association of sugary drinks intake with cancer were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the risk estimates. Results: A total of 71 observational articles with 32 case-control and 39 cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis. 60 addressed cancer risk, and 11 reported cancer mortality. Compared with the lowest level, the highest level of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption showed an increased overall cancer risk (RR=1.12 95% CI: 1.06-1.19, P=0.000) and mortality (RR=1.07 95% CI: 1.01-1.14, P=0.029), and fruit juice intake showed a positive association with cancer risk in cohort studies (RR=1.06 95% CI: 1.01-1.11, P=0.013). Subgroup analyses based on cancer type indicated that risk of breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and prostatic cancer mortality had a positive association with SSB consumption. For dose-response analysis, evidence of a linear association was found between overall cancer risk and SSB or fruit juice consumption, and the risk increase by 4% for one servings/d increment in SSB intake and 14% in fruit juice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the consumption of sugary beverages may increase the risk and mortality of cancer, especially risk of breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and prostatic cancer, and mortality of breast cancer, though the evidence was limited.

Dietary Patterns in Runners with Gastrointestinal Disorders

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reflux frequently experience gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), potentially enhanced by high-intensity running. Food avoidances, food choices, and GIS in runners with IBS/IBD (n = 53) and reflux (n = 37) were evaluated using a reliability and validity tested questionnaire. Comparisons to a control group of runners (n = 375) were made using a Fisher’s Exact test. Runners with IBS/IBD experienced the greatest amount of exercise-induced GIS followed by those with reflux. Commonly reported GIS were stomach pain/cramps (77%; 53%), bloating (52%; 50%), intestinal pain/cramps (58%; 33%), and diarrhea (58%; 39%) in IBS/IBD and reflux groups respectively. In the pre-race meal, those with IBS/IBD frequently avoided milk products (53%), legumes (37%), and meat (31%); whereas, runners with reflux avoided milk (38%), meat (36%), and high-fibre foods (33%). When considering food choices pre-race, runners with IBS/IBD chose grains containing gluten (40%), high fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) fruits (38%), and water (38%). Runners with reflux chose water (51%), grains containing gluten (37%), and eggs (31%). In conclusion, while many runners with IBS/IBD and reflux are avoiding trigger foods in their pre-race meals, they are also consuming potentially aggravating foods, suggesting nutrition advice may be warranted.

Dietary factors associated with inflammatory laryngeal disease in South Korea

Laryngeal inflammation causes not only benign diseases of the larynx, such as laryngitis and granuloma, but also malignancy. Dietary factors are known to control or modulate the inflammatory reaction in the body. To date, the association between laryngeal inflammation and dietary factors has not been reported using nationwide population-based data. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between several dietary factors and inflammatory laryngeal disease in the Korean population. This study analyzed the data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys which is cross-sectional nationwide-population-based study. Association between the dietary nutrient intake and the prevalence of inflammatory laryngeal diseases was analyzed in 21,116 participants who underwent a laryngoscopy and filled in the dietary intake questionnaires. Of the 21,116 participants included in the analysis, 758 (3.59%) were diagnosed with inflammatory laryngeal disease. Prevalence of inflammatory laryngeal disease was higher in men (4.58%) than in women (2.84%). The mean age of patients was 53.77 years. When analyzing the risk using propensity score matching, ILD group tend to consume more coffee and to intake less fiber and iron than normal group. On Logistic regression analysis, an increased intake of carbohydrate, fiber, and iron was associated with lowered risk of having ILD in female. The association between inflammatory laryngeal disease and dietary factors was prominent in the group aged ≥50 years and female. Increased intake of fiber, iron, and vitamin A were associated with lower risk in the group aged ≥50 years. In female, increased intake of fiber, iron were associated with lower risk of having ILD. In the group aged ≤50 years, only an increased consumption of makgeolli, Korean traditional rice wine, was associated with a higher risk of ILD.