Rare Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux may be a common gastrointestinal problem, but it turns out its symptoms are not always that common. From headaches to nerve pain, there are uncommon acid reflux symptoms that can cause alarm and panic to patients. 

So, what are rare acid reflux symptoms? Headaches, dizziness, asthma symptoms, and nerve pain are among those considered to be uncommon but safe acid reflux symptoms. On the other hand, fever and intense pain accompanied by left arm pain are just two examples of potential medical emergencies for reflux patients.

Read on to learn more about the lesser known acid reflux symptoms, and whether or not they pose a health risk.

Understanding Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a gastrointestinal condition involving the regurgitation of stomach contents back up the esophagus. Patients experience a host of symptoms including coughing, feeling of something being stuck in the throat, and difficulty swallowing. Patients also report feeling pain radiating in their chest or heartburn, which is another term used to describe acid reflux. 

Acid reflux occurs when a small muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) located below the esophagus malfunctions, allowing food, acid, and other stomach contents to travel back up from the stomach. 

What Triggers It?

Doctors are unable to identify the direct cause of acid reflux. However, these circumstances increase the risk of developing acid reflux:

• Pregnant women experience hormonal changes that can affect the LES, causing acid reflux. Pregnant women who have no history of acid reflux can suddenly experience symptoms due to the added pressure of the baby to the stomach 
• Constant exposure to acidic and fatty foods are known triggers of acid reflux. A diet composed mostly of citrusy foods and foods high in fat trigger acid production in the stomach, which can increase acidity levels and create discomfort 
• Eating habits such as eating large meals, lying down after a meal, and snacking close to bedtime are also triggers of acid reflux. These eating habits don’t allow proper digestion and can irritate the stomach, leading to regurgitation and heartburn 
• Bending and lifting heavy objects can also trigger episodic acid reflux. These actions put pressure on the stomach which could temporarily loosen the LES and allow bile to travel back up the mouth. Discomfort usually goes away once the patient resumes an upright position

Are There Rare Acid Reflux Symptoms? 

Although a common gastrointestinal condition, not all acid reflux symptoms are shared by patients. Some only experience heartburn and regurgitation, which are two distinct signs of acid reflux. Others may exhibit symptoms that stray from the usual list. 

Listed below are some of the usual concerns on uncommon acid reflux symptoms. Keep in mind that the majority of these are caused by chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may not be relevant to patients with temporary acid reflux.

If so, a separate issue not related to acid reflux may be the cause of the following symptoms:

Can Acid Reflux Cause Gas

On average, healthy individuals pass gas 13 to 21 times a day. This gas is expelled through the mouth (burping) or anus (flatulence). Gas accumulates in the digestive tract through eating (swallowing air) or bacterial fermentation. 

As digestive bacteria break down food, little pockets of air are created in the process. Because the bacteria in each human body is different, some people may be more tolerant of digesting certain food compared to other people. 

How Are Acid Reflux and Gas Related

Excessive gas and acid reflux may exist simultaneously. A patient experiencing excessive flatulence may also experience bloating from acid reflux. While acid reflux does not directly cause gas, doctors believe that the two may be interlinked. 

This is because certain conditions that trigger acid reflux can also trigger gassiness. Individuals who eat spicy and citrusy foods may increase their acidity levels while also triggering gassiness. Alleviating gassiness could coincidentally improve acid reflux symptoms because the circumstances that create these conditions tend to be similar. 

Can Acid Reflux Cause Dizziness

Dizziness and acid reflux are rarely associated with each other. However, personal accounts show that acid reflux, specifically GERD can also lead to dizziness in patients. This dizziness is often characterized as lightheadedness, weakness, and a temporarily blurry vision. 

Dizziness and Acid Reflux: Is There a Link?

While dizziness is not often listed as a common symptom of acid reflux, a study suggests that there is a link between peripheral vertigo (vertigo caused by ear problems) and acid reflux. 

Scientists suggest that patients who experience dizziness alongside their acid reflux may be due to gastric acids irritating the ear, which could lead to ear infections. 

The study reported that 77.6% of patients with peripheral vertigo were also diagnosed with acid reflux compared to 26% of patients without reflux symptoms. 

Although further studies are required to finalize the findings, the researchers suggest that reflux contents such as Hydrochloric acid and pepsin could get into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube and affect the ear directly. This can cause tinnitus or a perceived ringing of the ears. 

Another way acid reflux could cause dizziness is through bacterial infection. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori can travel further up the esophagus through reflux contents and reach the upper respiratory tract. This could cause scarred ear drum (tympanosclerosis), leading to dizziness. 

Acid Reflux and Headaches

While there are no studies showing that gastrointestinal disorders can lead to headaches, there are publications that illustrate how gastric problems, in particular acid reflux, can coincide with headaches. 

A study involving 43,782 patients studies the possible prevalence of headaches in patients with gastrointestinal problems. Compared to diarrhea and constipation, patients with acid reflux symptoms report higher prevalence of headaches. 

Another study involving 1,832 migraine patients were tested for heartburn and GERD symptoms. Of the group, 22% reported GERD diagnosis, 11.6% reported heartburn, and another 15.8% reported previously undiagnosed reflux symptoms. 

These studies show that patients with acid reflux problems also tend to experience headaches, although there are no clear reasons why. Although unclear, doctors confirm that treating gastrointestinal problems also alleviates headache symptoms, which is how acid reflux-related headaches are treated. 

Can Acid Reflux Cause Asthma

Patients with asthma are known to experience GERD and are likelier to develop acid reflux than people without asthma. This is because acid reflux can cause damage to the esophagus, leading to chronic coughing. Overproduction of acid and constant exposure to stomach contents could also compromise the lungs, making it more susceptible to irritants like dust. 

Developing Asthma Due to GERD

It’s not just asthmatic patients who can be affected by GERD. Turns out that patients who are non-asthmatic can have respiratory problems due to reflux symptoms. 

Wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty are tell-tale signs of asthma. Commonly diagnosed in childhood, adults can also develop asthma late in their lives due to a variety of reasons. Some patients can develop asthmatic symptoms while others go on to experience chronic asthma symptoms and eventually develop adult asthma. 

Asthma can be caused by a variety of stimuli including exposure to allergens and persistent flu. Doctors tend to identify acid reflux, or GERD in particular, as the cause for asthma when:

• Asthma symptoms worsen after a meal
• Asthma begins during adulthood, after the patient experiences reflux symptoms
• Asthma doesn’t get better with traditional asthma treatments 

Is It Always Serious?

Wheezing and chronic cough require proper diagnosis before asthma is ruled out. After all, acid reflux can cause temporary damage to the esophagus, triggering both symptoms. Just because you’re experiencing wheezing and coughing doesn’t mean you have developed adult asthma. 

Can Acid Reflux Cause Nerve Pain

Acid reflux symptoms can be typical or atypical in nature. Tingling limbs and nerve pain are considered rare and atypical acid reflux symptoms. 

Dr. Mark Babyatsky, a former department chairman at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, explained that inflammation from acid reflux can reach the lungs and trigger pneumonia. 

As a result, the diaphragm can become inflamed, affecting the phrenic nerve, which is a nerve connecting the neck, lung, heart, and diaphragm. In this scenario, a patient can feel referred pain in the limbs, specifically the arms and shoulders. 

Alternatively, nerve-related issues may be caused by pre-existing neuropathic conditions, leading to acid reflux. An example of this is gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a form of diabetic peripheral neuropathy characterized by slow digestion. This leads to bloating, heartburn, and vomiting of undigested food. 

If you’re experiencing acid reflux symptoms with nerve pain, there’s a high chance that your nerve pain is not reflux-related, especially if you are experiencing temporary reflux. Get in touch with a medical professional to find a separate diagnosis concerning your nerve pain. 

Arm Pain: Heartburn Or Something Else?

Heart attack survivors often recount their first symptom as a heartburn-like sensation. Many patients explicitly use the word heartburn when recounting their cardiac experience. Patients often realize that their “heartburn” is in fact not reflux-related but heart-related when:

• There is a pain radiating up the arm, specifically the left arm
• They have no history of acid reflux
• There is a burning sensation in the chest
• They have not eaten anything prior to the pain 
• The pain doesn’t go away with antacid 

If your heartburn symptoms don’t go away after taking an antacid, and are accompanied by arm pain and back pain, we suggest going to an emergency facility immediately to get medical help. 

Can Acid Reflux Cause Chest Pain 

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux. Chest pain related to reflux is also called noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). Chest pain occurs during reflux episodes because the heart and the esophagus share a nerve network. Acid reflux, specifically GERD, causes up to 66% of reported NCCPs.

Evaluating Your Chest Pain

Since chest pain from acid reflux and more serious conditions such as heart attack are hard to distinguish, it’s important to know how to evaluate your chest pain. Chest pain from acid reflux often affects the sternum or the area below it called the epigastrium. Pain from acid reflux is often characterized as a sharp pain, which gets worse with coughing. 

Meanwhile, chest pain from non-acid reflux sources could be described as a deep, searing pain. Heart-related chest pain often radiates to other parts of the body including the back, neck, shoulders, and arms. 

The symptoms that accompany chest pain are also key in evaluating the nature of the pain. Gastro-related chest pain is often accompanied by burping or flatulence, trouble swallowing, bile regurgitation, and a burning sensation in the throat or stomach. 

Cardiac-related chest pain is often accompanied by numbness in the left arm or shoulder, shortness of breath, dizziness, and high body temperatures. 

Can Acid Reflux Cause Fever and Chills 

Sustained esophagus damage from bile regurgitation can lead to esophagitis, which is the inflammation of the esophagus. Esophagitis can also be caused by infections, abuse of oral medication, and allergies. 

Reflux esophagitis is a complication of acid reflux, leading to tissue damage and inflammation. Patients with infectious esophagitis may experience fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. Dealing with acid reflux trigger often alleviates esophagitis symptoms. 

On the other hand, acid reflux alone doesn’t cause fever and chills. If you are not diagnosed with GERD or esophagitis but are experiencing fever and chills with reflux symptoms, get in touch with your doctor immediately to get more information. You could be experiencing a severe bacterial infection and need antibiotics to get well. 

Can You Have Acid Reflux and Not Know It 

Acid reflux can manifest in different ways. Other patients may report extreme versions of acid reflux involving constant heartburn and regurgitation, while others might only report trouble swallowing and coughing. 

Alternatively, there is another form of esophageal reflux that doesn’t exhibit the same symptoms as GERD or heartburn. If you’re experiencing classic reflux symptoms such as coughing and sleep apnea, you may be experiencing what is known as silent reflux. 

Do You Have Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)? 

Laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR is a type of esophageal reflux that doesn’t involve the tell-tale sign of GERD: heartburn. As a result, patients have a difficult time understanding the nature of their symptoms. In most cases, patients with LPR don’t even know they have reflux, which is why the disorder is called silent reflux. 

LPR is caused by the same mechanism that triggers GERD. When the lower esophageal sphincter loosens, stomach contents travel back up the esophagus. In this case, stomach acids travel further up the pharynx, reaching the larynx (voice box) and nasal pathways. As a result, a patient with LPR experiences symptoms like:

• Chronic cough
• Voice hoarseness
• Difficult swallowing; feeling of persistent lump in the throat
• Post-nasal drip
• Sore throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Sleep apnea, difficulty going to sleep caused by coughing

LPR is relieved the same way as GERD. By improving your diet and food choices and adopting healthier lifestyle choices, you can alleviate symptoms and regain control over your health. 

Get Professional Help Today

Don’t let scary symptoms dictate how you live your life. Get a clear diagnosis of your symptoms today and learn what’s causing you discomfort.

Whether it’s heartburn or something else entirely, our top gastroenterologists at Gastro Center NJ will give you everything you need to get your health back on track.

Book an appointment with us today.

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Best Home Remedies for Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

Studies show that up to 60% of the population report having acid reflux symptoms at least once in their lives. It’s one of the most common digestive disorders in the West. Its most symptoms include heartburn, acid regurgitation, and constipation. 

Although doctors are still unable to understand what exactly causes acid reflux, evidence supports that pregnant women are predisposed to having acid reflux because of changes in their body. 

Pregnancy can be uncomfortable enough as it is – adding acid reflux to the mix won’t make it any better. So, what are the top home remedies for pregnant patients experiencing acid reflux? Smarter food choices and better eating habits are two immediate things you can do to alleviate reflux symptoms. 

This includes taking antacids, choosing non-fatty foods, and eating multiple smaller meals as opposed to bigger meals in a day. 

In this article, we talk about the top acid reflux remedies for pregnant women, as well as ways to prevent flare-ups. 

Pregnancy and Acid Reflux: Why It Happens

Morning sickness and food sensitivities are just two of the most common pregnancy side effects, but it turns out these two aren’t the only common ones. Heartburn and acid reflux also affect a significant portion of pregnant women. 

Heartburn is characterized as the feeling of burning in your chest. Despites its namesake, it has nothing to do with your heart burning; heartburn is a symptom of acid and gas flaring up the chest. This is usually triggered by certain foods and eating habits. 

On the other hand, acid reflux refers to the backwash of acid contents up the esophagus, leading to an acidic sensation in the throat and mouth. Acid reflux and heartburn go hand in hand in a condition generally known as acid reflux. 

Chronic acid reflux is quite common, with 20% of adults in Western cultures being diagnosed with this long-term digestive problem. As for pregnant women, acid reflux can suddenly become a bane due to hormonal and physical changes caused by pregnancy. Most pregnant women stop exhibiting acid reflux symptoms after giving birth. 

What Causes Acid Reflux During Pregnancy?

Doctors speculate a handful of reasons that lead pregnant women into exhibiting acid reflux symptoms. These include:

1. Hormonal Changes

Pregnant women regulate hormones differently. As a result, the digestive system tends to slow down because of hormonal changes in the body. A once-efficient digestive system becomes slower, forcing the stomach contents to travel back up the esophagus. 

2. LES 

Hormonal changes in the body can also trigger mechanism changes. Doctors believe that pregnancy hormones, specifically progesterone, have an impact in the development of acid reflux in pregnant women. 

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle connecting the esophagus and the stomach. This small muscle acts as a “valve” which separates stomach acid from the esophagus. 

Because of hormonal discrepancies, the LES sometimes weakens in pregnant women, causing stomach contents to travel back up the esophagus. Some women report having a weak LES in the beginning of their pregnancy, while others only experience it during their third trimester. 

3. Stomach Pressure

Pregnant women who only experience acid reflux during the third trimester can attribute it to the baby’s growth. The presence of the baby in the womb can put pressure on an expectant patient’s stomach, forcing stomach contents to travel back up the esophagus.

How common is acid reflux during pregnancy? 

If you think you’re the first one to experience heartburn and acid reflux during your pregnancy, think again. A study published in Clinical Evidence reveals that heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy, reported by up to 45% of patients according to the findings. 

The incidence of heartburn increases as the patient progresses through the pregnancy stages. The incidence of heartburn increases from 22% in the first trimester to 39% in the second and up to 72% in the third trimester. 

Acid reflux symptoms vary from one patient to another. Some studies found that pregnant women only experienced acid reflux in the first trimester, while others reported experiencing this only during the third trimester. 

Does acid reflux affect the baby?

While an uncomfortable experience, acid reflux does not harm the baby in any way. Old wives’ tales such as the baby getting hairier with acid reflux is also not true. Acid reflux is a common and harmless gastrointestinal problem that won’t directly affect your baby in any way. It is also not a hereditary condition, and won’t impact their growth. 

Can you take antacids during pregnancy?

Over-the-counter antacid options in chewable and liquid form are both allowed for pregnant women experiencing acid reflux. Antacids made from calcium carbonate (Tums) are a safe antacid option for women. Antacids containing magnesium oxide and hydroxide are also good options, and typically come in liquid form. 

Watch out for antacids with high levels of sodium, aluminum, as well as those including aspirin – these types of antacids aren’t ideal for pregnant women. 

Antacids work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach. If you find that your antacids aren’t helping, ask your doctor for stronger aid such as acid reducers. This kind of medicine stops most acid production instead of neutralizing existing acid. 

Home Remedies for Pregnant Patients

Below are some home remedies you can do to alleviate your acid reflux symptoms. Take note that not all home remedies work for every patient. Go through each and test out which ones work best for you.

1. Drink Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is effective in soothing acid reflux and heartburn symptoms. Drink a bag of peppermint tea before every meal to soothe your stomach. Chamomile tea is also another popular remedy for acid reflux because of its soothing properties. 

2. Raise Your Head

When you’re sleeping or sitting, make sure your head is elevated above your stomach so your stomach juices don’t flow back your throat. Prop a pillow against your head and ensure that your head is raised higher than your stomach to aim the acids away from the esophagus. 

3. Drink Tons of Water

Keep a tumbler of water next to you so you can sip small amounts throughout the day. Rehydrating on water will keep your digestive system healthy and mitigate any hiccups during your pregnancy. 

4. Drink Low-Fat Milk 

Milk is another great liquid for neutralizing heartburn. However, make sure you’re drinking low-fat milk since foods high in fat are known to exacerbate heartburn symptoms. Stay away from full fat options and choose skim, low-fat, or even plant-based milk options. 

5. Don’t Eat Before Bed

Eating before bed (or sometimes on the bed) can seem pretty unavoidable when you’re pregnant, but doing so will only worsen acid reflux symptoms. If you can’t avoid snacking after dinner, make sure you’re sitting upright while you’re eating and to remain seated upright for two hours after the last meal to allow the food to travel down without problems.

6. Snack On Almonds

Raw almonds have been known to soothe acid reflux and heartburn symptoms due to their high oil content. Eat a handful of it to soothe your stomach, but don’t overeat almonds since they’re high in fats and could trigger the symptoms. 

7. Eat Fruits Like Bananas And Apples

These two fruits in particular have antacid properties that can help with acid reflux symptoms. When choosing your fruits, stay away from more acidic options like oranges, pineapple, and grapefruit. 

8. Wear Loose Clothing

As a pregnant woman, you’re likely already wearing loose clothing. If your acid reflux symptoms are flaring up, check to see that your clothing doesn’t add pressure to your stomach or belly area. Trade tie-up pajamas with a loose shirt and shorts. 

9. Snack On Licorice

Studies suggest that licorice is useful in protecting the stomach against acid. It contains properties that increase mucus coating in the esophagus, which could protect it whenever acid travels back up the esophagus. Ask your doctor for DGL or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, available in both pill and liquid form. 

10. Chew Gum 

Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is considered an effective acid buffer. Chewing gum can help reduce the inflammation in your esophagus by lubricating the throat. Chew sugar-free gum for thirty minutes after a meal to reduce symptoms of acid reflux. If you have the option to buy bicarbonate gum, choose that instead. 

What to Avoid 

Knowing what foods and lifestyle choices trigger acid reflux can be beneficial in preventing it in the first place. Below are just some of the things you should avoid when dealing with heartburn during pregnancy. 

• Avoid eating big meals throughout the day. Acid reflux gets worse with undigested food. To avoid putting stress on your stomach, avoid eating big meals and eat smaller meals throughout the day instead. Divide three big meals into five or seven smaller meals to help your body digest the food properly. 
• Don’t exercise. Exercise can put stress on the body and worsen acid reflux symptoms. To prevent flare-ups, stick to low-stress exercise like walking. Ask your doctor for exercise recommendations. 
• Refrain from snacking too close to bedtime. Lying down after a meal is one of the fastest ways to trigger acid reflux. Snacking close to bedtime also has the same effect. To prevent late night heartburn, sit up for at least 2 hours after your meal to prevent the food from travelling back up the esophagus. 
• Avoid citrusy and high fat foods. Foods high in fat and citrus content can also trigger acid production. Stay away from citrusy foods and foods high in fat to avoid trigger heartburn and acid reflux. 
• Skip the coffee. Coffee is an acidic beverage, which could contribute to your acid reflux. Skip the morning coffee, as well as the orange juice. Stick to beverages without any caffeine content. 

Top Trigger Foods for Acid Reflux

• Spicy foods can trigger acid reflux. If you’ve got a craving for spicy food, it might not be the best time to give in to this craving. Foods such as pepper, onions, and garlic can irritate the stomach lining and trigger acid production. Avoid acid reflux symptoms by staying away from spicy foods during your pregnancy. 
• Fatty foods slow down digestion and trigger heartburn. Avoid foods like hamburgers, french fries, steaks, certain cheeses, and chocolate. These foods are all high in fats and could lead to symptom flare-ups. 
• Avoid late night snacking. It’s not just certain foods that can trigger acid reflux, it’s also eating habits that could worsen acid reflux in pregnant women. Late night snacking leads to acid reflux because there the body isn’t being given enough time to digest the food before falling asleep. 

If you’re keen on having late night snacks, choose healthier options like fruits and oatmeal and stay up for another couple of hours before heading to bed. 

When to See a Doctor

Acid reflux is a common occurrence among pregnant women and should be no cause for worry. Common symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Burning sensation in chest (heartburn) usually after eating
• Chest pain 
• Regurgitation 
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bad breath
• Disrupted sleep 

On the other hand, consider getting in touch with a medical professional once you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• You are experiencing bloody bowel movements
• You have observed a change in  your bowel movements
• You have chronic cough that won’t go away with medication 
• Your heartburn has become more frequent or severe 
• Your acid reflux symptoms are accompanied by unprecedented weight loss
• You experience heartburn symptoms even after taking medication 
• Your stomach pain gets worse with time
• Your acid reflux symptoms are accompanied with neck, jaw, arm, or leg pain not related to pregnancy 
• You have difficulty breathing 
• You experience extreme fatigue and weakness

Get Treated for Acid Reflux 

Need specific medication for acid reflux? Get in touch with us at Gastro Center NJ to learn how to manage acid reflux during pregnancy.

With our expertise treating digestive problems, we’re dedicated to giving you a more pleasant pregnancy by creating a treatment plan that will soothe your discomfort.

Book an appointment with us today. 

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Best Breakfast for Colon Cancer Patients

Colon cancer patients experience a host of side effects that can make food unappealing. When left untreated, patients may experience rapid weight loss, which is detrimental to their health and recovery.

Breakfast is an opportunity to introduce creative but nutritious foods that will not only help patients recover to a healthy weight but also bolster their immunity to help fight colon cancer. 

So, what are the best breakfast options for colon cancer patients? Breakfast foods like cereal and toast are often high in fiber, which is one of the key dietary associations with a decreased risk of developing colon cancer. Incorporating whole grain foods such as quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal is also beneficial for colon cancer patients. 

In this article, we talk about the top breakfast options for colon cancer patients, as well as those you should avoid during treatment. 

Breakfast and Colon Cancer

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It turns out its significance goes beyond fueling the body: it might in fact be beneficial in preventing colon cancer altogether. 

A UK study wanted to understand the relationship between food consumption and increased risk of colon cancer. They found that participants who had consumed 76 g of red meat a day or more had a 20% increased risk. Those who consumed 10 g of alcohol per day resulted in an 8% risk.

Interestingly, the study showed that breakfast eaters, particularly those who ate cereal and bread, had a 14% lower risk of developing colon cancer thanks to the fiber from these breakfast staples.

Eating breakfast has also been linked with lower instances of obesity, which is a known factor of developing colon cancer. All in all, eating breakfast is as crucial to healthy individuals as it is to patients undergoing therapy. 

Why Does Food Matter?

The colon plays a crucial role when it comes to digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Patients with colon cancer have a difficult time processing food and nutrients needed to fuel the body. As a result, patients have a hard time metabolizing calories and protein they get from food, leading to lethargy, weakness, and even weight loss. 

Loss of appetite, nausea, and weight loss are among the common side effects of colon cancer. These side effects inevitably affect a patient’s relationship with food and have an impact on their overall health. 

A well-constructed diet plan will help patients get back on their feet. By striking a balance between what they like and what’s good for the body, patients can go back to a healthy weight and resume the strength to continue with treatments in no time. 

Aside from weight maintenance, a proper diet is important for cancer patients because it helps with recovery. Cancer treatments can be hard on the body as it is. As a patient battles colon cancer, they will need to regain strength to proceed with the treatment.

More importantly, a smart diet plan will boost the patient’s immunity and improve their ability to properly fight colon cancer. 

The Value of Good Calories

Not all foods are created equally. It’s not enough that you’re helping a patient eat – it’s also important that you’re mindful of every single bite they take. While it’s necessary to increase the amount of calories colon cancer patients eat in a day, the quality of the calories they take in also contributes to their overall well-being.

2,000 calories from a milkshake loaded with syrup and ice cream isn’t the same as 2,000 calories from a milkshake made of leafy greens and protein powder. 

When we talk about good calories, we simply refer to nutritious, protein-heavy, fiber-rich foods that are suitable for colon cancer patients. These good calorie food groups include:

1. Foods rich in fiber: A high-fiber diet is known to aid in digestion. Similarly, patients who incorporate high-fiber foods in their diet have healthier colons that are less prone to blockage. 
2. Whole grain foods: Processed grains such as white bread and white rice have high glycemic indices that aren’t ideal for colon cancer patients. On the other hand, whole grain foods such as quinoa, barley, brown rice, and oatmeal often have high-fiber content and have naturally occurring nutrients that can be metabolized by the body to create pure energy. 
3. Healthy fats from tree nuts: Studies suggest that a diet rich in tree nuts such as hazelnuts, pistachios, cashews, and walnuts reduce the risk of recurrence for colon cancer patients. 
4. Foods rich in antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables are a key part of any healthy diet. Colon cancer patients should look into incorporating foods like berries and spinach in their regular meals. These are foods rich in fiber and contain antioxidants and flavonoids that help fight cancer. 

The opposite of “good calories” aren’t exactly detrimental to your health. Sugar and fat are essential to any person’s diet, but should only be taken in moderate amounts. These foods have little to no nutritional value, and prioritizing this over other food groups means missing out on key nutrients that are actually needed by the body.

Remember that a high-calorie diet doesn’t always meat high fat or high sugar. You can still create a meal plan that reaches 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day just by relying on clean foods and cooking techniques. 

Breakfast Option for Colon Cancer Patients

1. Eggs

The best part about this protein powerhouse is that they’re already a breakfast staple. A serving of medium sized egg has about 13 grams of protein. 

In order to reduce the risk of cholesterol without skipping out on the protein, we recommend cooking 1 to 2 eggs with a cup of egg whites for an additional serving of 8 grams of protein. Eggs can be served fried with oven baked potatoes or frittata style loaded with spinach, cheese, and tomatoes. 

2. Spinach or Kale

Studies suggest that compounds found in spinach and kale are able to suppress tumor growth and fight cancer cells with antioxidants. Blend these as a main ingredient of a green smoothie or mix them in an omelet or breakfast burrito to supercharge your breakfast. 

3. Low-fat Cheese

Cheese on a bagel or toast is a great breakfast option. To really get the full health benefits of your breakfast cheese, swap out high-fat cheeses with a low-fat cheese option. This also applies to your full fat greek yogurt. When it comes to dairy, always look for low-fat alternatives. 

4. Oatmeal and Muesli

Oatmeal is another breakfast staple that’s loaded with fiber and antioxidants. It improves blood sugar control and protects your heart from cholesterol. 

Alternatively, muesli is another breakfast dish made out of rolled oats and nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits – all of which are high in antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties. These two breakfast dishes can be customized to fit the patient’s taste and preferences. 

5. Banana and Blueberry

Bananas and blueberries are common breakfast fruits that are especially beneficial to colon cancer patients. Banana contains a relatively high amount of fiber for fruits and boasts various nutrients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin B6.

Blueberries are also rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and vitamin K. A 148 gram serving contains 4 grams of fiber. Blueberry also contains antioxidants that prevent DNA damage, which plays an important role in colon cancer development. 

6. Whole Wheat Tortillas

Who said colon cancer-friendly foods weren’t appetizing? Use whole wheat tortillas to make delicious breakfast tortillas. Swap out the meat with mushrooms or vegetarian meat to get the full flavor. Serve with a slice of avocado and a heaping of salsa to enjoy. 

7. Protein Pancake and Waffle

Upgrade your standard pancake and waffle batter by adding a cup or two of protein powder. A cup of protein powder usually has 25 to 32 g of protein, depending on the brand. Increased protein intake is beneficial for rebuilding muscle and tissues, as well as improving overall energy and strength. 

How to Make Breakfast Exciting 

Dietary restrictions can be hard on the appetite. Instead of making breakfast a chore, here are some ways you could make breakfast exciting, which could improve the patient’s relationship with food:

Alternate between “good” and “bad” calories.

Milkshakes are high in calories and easy to swallow, making it a perfect breakfast option for colon cancer patients. On the other hand, a diet based mostly on milkshakes might help the patient take in some much needed calories upfront, but it won’t improve their strength in the long run.

Instead of focusing on just one type of food, cycle between good and bad calories to prevent fatigue. Serve a hearty milkshake made up of peanut butter and ice cream on one day, and serve up a healthier version with fruits and protein powder the next day. 

Prepare multiple options a week.

The rule of cycling and variety also applies to food options. Instead of serving the same breakfast meal every single day, make sure to have various options available during the week. This way, the patient has always something to look forward to during breakfast, which can help meal time more exciting. 

Plan breakfasts together.

Top nutritionists always recommend involving the patient with meal planning. By doing so, you can take into account their preferences and prioritize foods they like. Does your patient prefer oatmeal-based breakfasts over french toast? By knowing this, you can plan different oatmeal options during the week and serve food your patient will actually eat and enjoy. 

Top 4 Breakfast Foods to Avoid

1. Processed Meat

Hotdog, bacon, and sausages are among the favorite breakfast staples for most Americans. Unfortunately, eating processed meats has been linked with an increased risk of developing colon cancer, and should be avoided even by patients undergoing therapy. 

A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that eating processed meat four or more times a week can result in a 20% increase risk of developing colon cancer. According to the publishers, the risk increases 19%A for every 25-gram daily serving of processed meat. 

2. Sugary Foods

From cereals to juices, there are tons of processed breakfast options that contain an obscene amount of sugar. The worst part is that these foods look inconspicuous on shelves, making them easy to overlook. When shopping for colon cancer-friendly breakfast items, don’t just look at the label. Also make sure to take a look at the nutritional values posted on the label to fully understand what goes into a specific product.

A rule of thumb is to always go for the simpler version of foods. Between your standard whole wheat cereal and high-sugar, fruit-flavored cereal, it’s easy to see which one is loaded with unnecessary sugar and which one has the least amount of preservatives.  

3. High-fat Foods

Processed meats aren’t the only breakfast items that are high in fat. Cream, butter, and other dairy products could be increasing your saturated fat intake without you knowing about it. 

The next time you top waffles or pancakes, rethink the whip cream and try to swap it out with a healthier source of fat such as cottage cheese.

Minimize consumption of saturated fats by focusing on the good fats. Hit two birds with one stone by swapping out milk products with plant-based milk in order to lower fat content and increase protein consumption. 

4. Fried Foods

Fried foods are exactly what make breakfast exciting. Unfortunately, loading up on oily foods is a surefire way to impede recovery. Fats can clog up the colon, which can lead to discomfort, indigestion, and loss of appetite. 

If you can’t avoid having fried foods on the menu, we suggest looking into alternative cooking options like baking or air frying. Patients can still enjoy the crunchy texture of foods, without consuming a high amount of unhealthy fats for breakfast. 

Caring for You From Start to Finish

Getting a colonoscopy is the first step to preventing colon cancer. At Gastro Center NJ, we implement proactive measures and solve health problems before they even happen. Your health is our top priority and we want to make sure you’re on the right track. 

Schedule a colonoscopy today and get on top of your colon health. Colon cancer screening is the number one way of preventing colon cancer. Schedule yours today. 

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