Weight Loss, Binge Eating & Acid Reflux
OVERVIEW
Ms. Saanvi Nair, a 28-year-old female came to us with complains of acid reflux. She also wanted to lose her weight, which she had put on due to eating excess calories. She was non – vegetarian and used to consume alcohol once a week.
Her initial body composition analysis (conducted at the clinic) showed the following:
Weight: 90.1 Kgs
Body Fat: 36.9%
Visceral Fat: 9.5%
BMR: 1703 Kcals
BMI: 29.4 Kg/m2
Skeletal Muscle: 24.5%
APPROACH
Acid reflux risk can rise as a result of overeating. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is what this is. Food enters the stomach through the oesophagus, often known as the food pipe, when we swallow. Lower oesophageal sphincter is a valve that opens and shuts at the stomach's opening. Some people have a valve that is faulty and loose. Overeating increases the risk of acid reflux meaning, the valves do not shut off properly.
To initiate with, our clinical nutritionist started investigation by penning down Ms. Nair's detailed diet and lifestyle history to better understand the cause of recurrent acid reflux. From the above information and upon evaluation we came to a conclusion that due to almost daily eating out practises, consuming too spicy and deep-fried foods regularly over a period of time led to acid reflux in her case. As dictated by her as soon as she used to lie down all food used to literally come out from mouth leaving behind heart burn and belching symptoms.
To work towards her chief complaints, our nutritionist designed a 7-day diet plan keeping in mind all her likes and dislikes to cater to her cravings. All her refined foods were altered with whole food options. Inclusion of fruits and vegetables was maximized to keep her full and light throughout the day and also due to their antioxidant properties. Dairy products were included to match-up to her body's calcium requirements and also for their probiotic properties they were included in her major meals of the day.
RESULTS
As her eating habits and food choices were altered her acid reflux symptoms went down gradually. She could also manage to lose her weight as all the refined, deep-fried foods were cut down. Also, portion control strategy worked well by starting a 2 hourly eating habit.
Her final body composition analysis (conducted at the clinic) showed the following:
Weight: 85.1 Kgs
Body Fat: 34.2%
Visceral Fat: 7.5%
BMR: 1648 Kcals
BMI: 27 Kg/m2
Skeletal Muscle: 25.9%
CONCLUSION
Mindful eating and altering food choices helped in improving her body composition. Her gut health improved by inclusion of micronutrients rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and curd.