Iceberg Lettuce Reduces the Severity of Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common disease and generally occurs when a portion of the contents of the stomach pass through the lower esophageal sphincter and into the esophagus and returns. If gastroesophageal reflux occurs regularly then symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD can develop. Typical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (RS) are often defined as heartburn/discomfort or a feeling that stomach contents could reflux into the oesophagus. Gastroesophageal RS are commonly managed by making dietary and lifestyle changes but may also require the use of antacid tablets or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Two cases are presented where the effects of consuming iceberg lettuce (IL) on the severity of RS, classified as mild, medium or severe, are reported. It was found for both patients, IL consumed after a meal could resolve mild RS, resolve or reduce the severity of moderate RS, and reduce the severity of severe RS to mild or moderate symptoms, but not resolve them.