How GERD Disproportionately Impacts Black People

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a funny-sounding word, and a worst-feeling condition.

Common yet often underestimated, this ‘gut disease’ impacts millions of people across the world. Unfortunately, GERD disproportionately impacts Black folks, oftentimes silently misunderstood and underdiagnosed. Causing stomach acid to regurgitate into the esophagus, GERD can trigger everything from heartburn to chest pain, wheezing, coughing, and vomiting.

In one study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, Black Americans more frequently cited GERD symptoms compared to other races. In fact, the study saw just over 21 percent of Black respondents report frequent issues, such as heartburn and regurgitation, compared to just over 16 percent of white respondents. Even so, many Black folks with the condition continue to live with these symptoms undiagnosed.

One key culprit of GERD symptoms?

The diet. It should come as no surprise that certain dietary choices worsen GERD by increasing stomach acid and causing reflux. Whether it’s diet, genetics, environment, or related health conditions, GERD in the Black community can be traced to some very real factors.

GERD and the Black Community: Causes

First, let’s talk about that diet.

If you love to chow down on spicy foods, you’re not alone, but you are putting yourself at risk. Many spicy meals are the perfect trigger for irritating the esophagus and triggering heartburn. On top of that, fried and fatty foods can slow down your stomach’s ability to empty, giving acid the time it needs to reflux into your esophagus. From hot chicken wings to gumbo, all that tastiness comes at a price!

Then you’ve got genetic predispositions. Research indicates that certain genes may influence the way your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) functions. Some gene variations can weaken your LES and may cause it to malfunction, increasing your risk of GERD. In other cases, your genes may impact how you metabolize some foods, which can increase reflux issues.

Hiatal hernias are yet another variable all Black folks should consider when dealing with GERD. Hiatal hernias are basically hernias that happen when the upper part of your stomach bulges through your diaphragm and into the chest cavity (not fun!).

What happens after this? Well, basically acid can then reflux a lot easier into your esophagus. Research indicates that hiatal hernias are more common among Black folks, significantly more than in white folks. This could be a major reason for the increased prevalence of GERD.

Last but not least are the environmental factors, which a lotta people don’t always think about. See, chronic exposure to toxins and pollutants, whether in the air, food, or water, can all cause problems with your gastrointestinal system. From fluoride and arsenic to pesticides, particulate matter, and heavy metals, it’s all problematic for GERD.

And if you’re unable to get adequate healthcare, these symptoms may only worsen over time.

Fortunately, there are many ways to address this.

Getting a Handle on GERD

First off, is getting any symptoms checked out. There are plenty of diagnostic tests and screening tools, like esophageal pH monitoring and imaging studies. Once the factors behind your problems are pinpointed, then you can start to take action. Your doctor may recommend a whole spectrum of changes.

One of the most important things you can do - as with all diseases - is lifestyle modification. Avoiding certain foods, losing weight, and even reducing stress can all help with GERD. Instead of eating spicy, fatty, and acidic stuff, try to eat more GERD-friendly foods. Herbal teas like ginger and chamomile can help soothe symptoms while foods like brown rice, green beans, broccoli, non-citrus fruits, and lean proteins are ideal.

Just remember not to load all these goodies up with acidic and spicy seasonings!

Of course, dietary modifications are only a small part of the equation. If you find your symptoms persist after making significant changes, medications may be necessary. These drugs can range from what’s called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and more commonly used antacids, like Tums or Rolaids. In all cases, you should use these medicines at your doctor’s direction. Overuse or abuse may actually worsen the issue!

In some cases, severe GERD may require surgery to support your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Other procedures, such as laparoscopic surgery, are also beneficial and do not require extensive recovery time.

As always, talk to your doctor about a holistic, comprehensive approach. What factors are contributing to your GERD and what can be done? Can you change your diet? Can you limit your exposure to environmental toxins by filtering your water, avoiding contaminants, and changing the places you frequent? Do you have genetic variations that can be tested that are worsening your symptoms?

If so, there’s a lot you can do. And thankfully, you can start today.