Barrett's esophagus by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Dietary intervention and supplements for Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which cells that line the esophagus become abnormal, which may progress to esophageal cancer. People with Barrett's esophagus have a significantly increased risk of developing cancer of the esophagus.

Obesity as one cause of Barrett's esophagus
Excessive abdominal fat increases the risk of Barrett's esophagus. Those  who are obese are at a significantly increased risk of developing Barrett's esophagus. Diet Rx, an appetite suppressant, helps you eat less.

Fish oils may prevent or reduce the risk of Barrett's esophagus
You may consider eating more fish or taking fish oil capsules.

Effect of n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on Barrett's epithelium in the human lower esophagus
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2008. Samir P Mehta, Alex P Boddy, Jane Cook, Virginia Sams, Elizabeth K Lund, Ian T Johnson and Michael Rhodes. From the Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery (SPM, APB, JC, and MR) and the Department of Histopathology (VS), Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, United Kingdom, and the Institute of Food Research, Norwich, United Kingdom
Epidemiologic studies suggest a reduced risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in populations with a high consumption of fish, and n–3 fatty acids inhibit experimental carcinogenesis. One possible explanation is the suppression of eicosanoid production through inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). The objective was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with the n–3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on a number of biological endpoints in Barrett's esophagus. Fifty-two participants with known Barrett's esophagus underwent endoscopy. Biopsy samples were obtained from a recorded level within the area of Barrett's esophagus, and then 27 patients were randomly assigned to consume EPA capsules (1.5 g/d) for 6 mo or no supplement (controls). The EPA content of esophageal mucosa increased over the study period in the n–3–supplemented subjects and was significantly different from the content in the controls. There was also a significant decline in COX-2 protein concentrations.

Black raspberries may prevent cancer of esophagus
Black raspberries added to the diet of animals inhibits the development of chemically induced cancer of the mouth, esophagus and colon, chiefly by decreasing DNA damage, and cancerous cell growth and markers of harmful oxidative stress. Dr. Laura A. Kresty from Ohio State University, Columbia had 20 men and women with Barrett's esophagus eat 30 to 45 grams of concentrated freeze-dried black raspberries daily for six months. The patients had a  decline in average levels of 8-Isoprostane in urine - a marker for oxidative stress - as well as in DNA damage. In about a thrid of the Barrett's esophagus patients, the black raspberry regimen also led to an increase in expression of tissue levels of a key enzyme called GSTpi, which detoxifies cancer-causing compounds. This enzyme is often reduced in irritated Barrett's tissue.
   Comments: It is quite likely that other berries would offer similar benefits.

Esophageal cancer and carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks may raise the risk of esophageal cancer. A team at Tata Memorial Hospital in India found a strong correlation between the rise in per capita consumption of carbonated soft drinks in the past 50 years and a documented increase in rates of esophageal cancer in the United States. Team members studied U.S. Department of Agriculture data to find that per capita consumption of carbonated drinks rose by more than 450 percent, from 10 gallons on average in 1946 to 49 gallons in 2000. And over the past 25 years, the incidence of esophageal cancer has risen by more than 570 percent in white American men. The number of esophageal cancer cases clearly followed the rise in intake of carbonated soft drinks, the researchers found.

Barrett's esophagus questions
Q. I have been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus, a more advanced form of GERD. What conventional treatments and natural products do you recommend? What about using prickly pear. Is the pharmaceudical from equally effective as its natural form?
   A. You may consider some of the options above regarding the natural treatment for Barrett's esophagus.

Q. What alternative treatment options are there for Barrett's esophagus?
   A. Eating more berries, more fish, and Fish-Oil supplements are good options.