Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/923291
A snapshot of Dr. Zalvan's reflux diet A 90 to 95 percent plant-based diet means having three meals per week that include meat and dairy. Dr. Zalvan encourages his patients to get creative and make this diet their own. "Mostly I suggest patients do their own research," he said. "Read about diet choices and learn to cook and enjoy a healthy, plant-based lifestyle." If you don't have the time to shop and plan, he also recommends checking out online vegan-based food-delivery services. Below are some suggested meals he said patients could easily build upon. Breakfast Lunch Dinner – Whole-grain cereals with plant-based milk (like almond or soy) – Fruit bowls with plant-based yogurt – Smoothies made of plant-based milks, fruits, soft tofu, avocado, chia and flaxseed – Avocado toast – Salads with whole grains, chickpeas, nuts and fruit – Whole-wheat veggie wraps – Wraps containing veggie burgers mixed with multiple grilled vegetables (prepared without grease) – Veggie takeout choices, such as broccoli with garlic sauce – Grilled vegetables and tofu – Lentil dishes, including those prepared with Indian-style spices – Plant-based soups made without meat-based broths precautions, such as avoiding coffee, tea, chocolate, soda, alcohol, and foods that are greasy, fatty, fried or spicy. Working with researchers at New York Medical College, Dr. Zalvan and his team reviewed the charts of patients he treated with PPIs (prior to developing the diet) and then those treated with the plant-based diet he designed. When compared with patients who took PPIs, those patients who consumed a 90 to 95 percent whole- food, plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet paired with alkaline water had the same if not better reduction in reflux symptoms. Although it took some adjusting (and some convincing of her boyfriend, who she regularly cooks for), Cora moved to a plant-based diet and is seeing a drastic improvement in her reflux symptoms. "I still have a little hoarseness, but as long as I stick to the diet, my symptoms have become greatly reduced," Cora said. "In fact, I'm able to expand my songwriting outside of the key of A again. Before finding this diet, my voice was so damaged I could only sing in one key." Although this research focused only on those diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux, the same diet regimen could also help patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD). Dr. Zalvan also noted that many of his patients who were treated with a plant-based diet also experienced some weight loss and a reduction of symptoms and use of medications for other medical conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. While this study is a major breakthrough in how reflux is treated, Dr. Zalvan does not recommend that patients suddenly abandon the medications they were prescribed. "Patients will need to discuss with their medical providers whether this option is personally appropriate," Dr. Zalvan said. "I recommend that a plant-based diet approach with alkaline water and standard reflux precautions should either be attempted prior to the use of medication or with the short-term use of medication for more severe needs." To learn more about Dr. Zalvan and The Institute for Voice and Swallowing Disorders at Northwell Health's Phelps Hospital, visit 4healthier.me/NWSD-diet. FeinsteinInstitute.org 5 Patient success