Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are two distinct conditions of the digestive tract, but they are not always entirely separate. Studies show that co-occurrence of GERD and IBS is common with up to 80% of patients suffering from both gastrointestinal disorders.
No clear cause of IBS has been established yet. It can be caused by miscommunication between the brain and the digestive tract, issues with the muscles of the intestines, or problems digesting certain foods. This results in symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits. The same digestive tract dysfunction can also lead to GERD: a condition that allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus and triggers heartburn.
Other factors that play a role in the development of IBS and GERD include food intolerances, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), obesity, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder are other risk factors associated with gastrointestinal conditions like GERD and IBS.
What we do know is that IBS can be triggered by certain foods, stress, hormonal changes and medications. GERD symptoms are caused by stress, food and beverages. Interestingly, the same foods that trigger IBS also activate symptoms of GERD.
GERD And IBS Food Triggers
The following foods and beverages are common triggers for GERD and IBS:
- High-fat and fried foods
- Spicy foods
- Tomato-based foods
- Citrus fruits
- Some sugars like high fructose corn syrup and sorbitol
- Lactose
- Wheat-based foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
Treatment For Co-Occurring GERD And IBS
For both of these conditions, treatment starts with dietary and lifestyle changes. Patients will be advised to avoid foods that trigger symptoms, eat more fiber, get enough exercise, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking and practice techniques for stress management. Some people may benefit from therapy to address mental health issues, trauma or stress.
Over-the-counter medications (including antacids and H2 blockers) may help alleviate GERD symptoms. Eating smaller meals, waiting a few hours after eating before lying down and elevating the head of your bed are other ways to avoid symptoms or reduce symptom severity.
At GastroIntestinal Specialists, we have extensive experience helping patients manage GERD and IBS. We are also currently enrolling participants (ages 18 to 70) with a clinical diagnosis of IBS-C or IBS-D for our abdominal pain study at the Louisiana Research Center. If you’re interested in being involved, click this link to get in contact with our team.
The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C., treats multiple conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md.