The relationship of gastroesophageal reflux with nutritional habits and mental disorders

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common health problems of the upper gastrointestinal system, in which complex biopsychosocial factors play a role in its development. In addition to bad nutritional habits, it is known that psychological stress has aggravating effects on gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Presenting the current evidence obtained from studies on this subject can be a guide for both clinicians and patients.The role of various factors such as poor eating habits, obesity, stress, anxiety, sedentary lifestyle, sleep disorders, smoking and alcohol in the etiology of GERD is emphasized. Pharmacotherapy is considered first-line therapy for patients with GERD, but lifestyle modification, including dietary changes, is an important element in supporting the treatment of the disease. However, although lifestyle change offers a more effective, lower cost and less side-effect treatment, it is often seen to be insufficient in practice.The results of the studies show that reflux is closely related to mental state and eating habits affect both reflux and mood. In the management of GERD, the evaluation of biopsychosocial factors together and the application of a multidisciplinary approach can make a significant contribution to increase the success of the treatment and quality of life

Effect of Diet on Bone Mineral Density in Peri-and Postmenopausal Women

Among the determinants of osteoporosis in elderly, nutritional factors play a significant role. In a cross-sectional study the effects of several nutritional factors on bone mineral density were investigated in 44 women aged over 40 years. Nineteen premenopausal and twenty five postmenopausal women were enrolled the study. Subjects were instructed to keep seven-day nutritional record. Bone mineral density measurements were performed with DXA, and laboratory investigations related to bone metabolism were undertaken. Daily protein, fat, carbohydrate, total energy, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc and vitamin C intakes were analysed by a nutritional analysis program. The associations between daily dietary intakes of this nutritional components and bone mineral density were investigated. The daily protein, fat, carbohydrate, total energy, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc and vitamin C intakes were not correlated significantly with lumbar and hip bone mineral density. Lumbar bone mineral density was correlated with age. There was no significant association between daily protein or sodium intake and urinary calcium excretion. The results suggest that the manifestation of osteoporosis in women is influenced to a greater extent by age and years since menopause than by the distribution of nutritional factors in normal mixed diet. However, further studies with larger series are essential to evaluate the role of dietary composition on the manifestation of osteoporosis and bone metabolism

Effects of Diet on Levels of Bone Mineral Density and Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 - Original Investigation

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem and the role of diet in both its prevention and pathogenesis is currently investigating. Diet is a modifiable factor which has role on both bone mass formation and prevention of osteoporosis. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a peptide which is structurally similar to insulin and has effect on calcium homeostasis. Fourty four women (19 premenopausal and 25 postmenopausal) aged over 40 years were enrolled into the study. Bone mineral density measurements were performed with DXA and 24 hours urinary calcium excretion and serum biochemistry values were evaluated. Serum IGF-1 levels were measured with an immunoradiometric assay method. All subjects were directed to a trained dietician and kept a seven-day dietary record. The data which obtained from dietary record were evaluated to determine the daily calcium, phosphorus, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, fiber, sodium, zinc, vitamin C and total energy intakes. There was found no correlation between daily protein, calcium, phosphorus, lipid, carbohydrate, fiber, sodium, zinc, vitamin C and total energy intakes and lumbar and femoral BMD values. Serum IGF-1 levels were found independent from daily protein intake and lumbar and femoral BMD were not found in association with serum IGF-1 levels. Also there was no association between daily protein or sodium intakes and urinary calcium excretion. According to data derived from our study, it is seemed that, nutritional factors in a normal mixed diet do not affect mainly the manifestation of osteoporosis in women. There is need for more studies with larger series to evaluate the role of IGF-1 system in this relationship. (Osteoporoz Dünyasından 2006; 12 (2): 27-30