The relationship between the speed of eating and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Iranian adults

Abstract

Background: The association between the speed of eating and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is less studied in Middle-Eastern countries. We aimed to find the relationship between the speed of eating and gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in a large sample of Iranian adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 4669 individuals fulfilled a questionnaire about their eating habits. Regarding the speed of eating, participants were asked: ‘How thoroughly do you chew foods? (not very well, well, very well)’, ‘How long does it take you to eat lunch? How long does it take you to eat dinner? (< 10 minutes, 10–20 minutes, > 20 minutes). Gastroesophageal reflux disease was defined as having heartburn sometimes or more during the last three months. The severity of disease was assessed with a four-item scale rating (mild, moderate, severe, and very severe). Findings: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in study population was 23.7. After adjustment of potential confounders, the association remained the same. Individuals who had “not very well” and”well” chewed their food, had an increased risk of 94 and 38 to have gastroesophageal reflux disease with great frequency. When the mutual effect of other potential confounders were taken into account, association remained meaningful, those who had “not very well” and “well” chewed their food had an increased risk of 91 and 35 to have gastroesophageal reflux disease with great frequency. On the other hand, individuals who ate their lunch during more than 10 minutes had a reduced risk of 30 and 25 to have gastroesophageal reflux disease with great frequency. Conclusion: We found a significant association between the speed of eating and gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and heartburn. © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All Rights Resreved.