subject: How To Prevent Barrett's Oesophagus [print this page] Barrett's Oesophagus is the British English spelling of Barrett's Esophagus. It is also referred to as Barrett's Syndrome or CELLO (columnar epithelium lined lower esophagus). Barrett's Oesophagus is a condition where the lining of the esophagus is replaced with tissue cells like those of the intestine. There are no direct symptoms associated with Barrett's Oesophagus or scientifically proven causes of Barrett's Oesophagus.
Barrett's Oesophagus is found in about 5-15% of patients who have heartburn. This is a common symptom for those suffering from acid reflux disease and GERD. So preventing the development of Barrett's Oesophagus should start with preventing or eliminating the causes of any type of oseophageal reflux and stomach problems.
The Dangers Of Having Barrett's Oesophagus?
While there may not be any common symptoms of Barrett's Oesophagus, one of the biggest and most recognized risks associated with having Barrett's Oesophagus is the risk of contracting cancer of the esophagus. Cancer of the esophagus is extremely dangerous and often fatal. Physicians often recommend regular testing for esophageal cancer for patients with GERD and Barrett's Oesophagus. This oesophageal cancer is extremely difficult to detect and is easily missed. Early diagnosis is critical. About 1% of those with Barrett's Oesophagus develop cancer of the esophagus each year.
Testing for cancer in Barrett's Oesophagus patients is done with an endoscopy and the results are measured in high or low grade dysplasia. Those diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus may require dangerous surgery, if it is caught in time to help. Clearly active prevention is much safer and wiser.
How To Prevent Barrett's Oesophagus
Eliminating the causes and triggers of acid reflux and GERD can help preventing Barrett's Oesophagus. There are many natural remedies and changes in lifestyle that can help prevent these symptoms and the progression to Barrett's Oesophagus.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not only crucial for preventing Barrett's Oesophagus but also for preventing many other health issues. We often take our health for granted until it is too late. Bad habits make a big portion of this - as well as not having good habits. Try replacing the bad with the good and you will be feeling better on many levels.
Bad habits that can cause and trigger reflux problems and in turn increase risk of Barrett's Oesophagus:
Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Eating a poor diet high in fat and acids
Overeating
Try to replace bad habits with these good ones:
Regular exercise
Planning more smaller meals and snack throughout the day
Staying hydrated
Eating a healthier more natural diet with a higher ratio of alkaline foods
For those already suffering from reflux problems of have Barrett's Oesophagus these changes in lifestyle and diet should be combined with natural remedies that can be used to balance stomach acid levels and prevent reflux. Easy things like not bending over after meals and keeping the upper body elevated when laying down can also prevent reflux of dangerous stomach acid, which can also cause erosion of the esophagus.
