7 Drinks to Avoid with Eosinophilic Esophagitis
A Healthy Diet is Key
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune system disease that causes inflammation in the esophagus. This inflammation is caused by an overproduction of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in response to certain foods, drinks or environmental factors. EoE can lead to difficulty swallowing, food impaction and other painful symptoms, making dietary choices critical for managing the condition. While many people focus on the foods they eat, drinks can also play a significant role in triggering EoE symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore some of the worst drinks to avoid with eosinophilic esophagitis and explain why they should be kept out of your diet.
1. Citrus Juices
Citrus-based drinks like orange juice, lemonade and grapefruit juice are common triggers for individuals with EoE. These drinks are highly acidic and can cause significant irritation to the esophagus. Acidic beverages can exacerbate inflammation and make swallowing more painful for individuals with EoE. The high levels of citric acid in these drinks can also cause acid reflux, further aggravating the esophagus and making EoE symptoms worse. For this reason, it’s best to avoid all types of citrus juices, opting instead for less acidic options like herbal teas or water.
2. Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated drinks, including sodas, sparkling water and fizzy energy drinks, are another category of beverages to avoid if you have EoE. The carbonation in these drinks can lead to increased bloating and gas, which puts pressure on the esophagus and exacerbates symptoms like chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Additionally, many carbonated beverages are high in sugar and artificial ingredients, which can act as inflammatory agents, worsening the condition. Some carbonated drinks also contain caffeine, which is a known irritant for people with gastrointestinal disorders, making them doubly harmful for EoE patients.
The combination of gas, sugar and caffeine makes sodas and other fizzy drinks a poor choice for those with EoE. Instead, individuals with the condition may want to try non-carbonated options like still water or low-acid herbal teas to keep symptoms in check.
3. Dairy-Based Beverages
Milk and other dairy-based drinks, such as milkshakes, are common triggers for individuals with EoE, especially for those who have an intolerance to dairy or a sensitivity to cow’s milk proteins. Milk can be particularly problematic as it often leads to mucus production, which can exacerbate EoE symptoms like difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something being stuck in the throat. Additionally, dairy has been shown to contribute to inflammation in certain individuals, particularly those with food sensitivities, which can lead to flare-ups of EoE symptoms.
Since dairy is a known allergen, avoiding milk, cream-based drinks and milkshakes is crucial for people with EoE. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-dairy alternatives available, such as almond milk, oat milk or coconut milk that can provide a similar taste without the risk of triggering symptoms.
4. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol is another drink that people with EoE should avoid. Alcoholic beverages, especially wine, beer and cocktails with citrus mixers, can significantly irritate the esophagus. Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps stomach acid from entering the esophagus, making acid reflux more likely. For individuals with EoE, this can worsen inflammation and increase the likelihood of experiencing painful symptoms. Alcohol can also dehydrate the body, which leads to a dry throat and further aggravates the condition.
Additionally, certain alcoholic beverages like beer and wine contain sulfites, which are preservatives that can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, worsening EoE symptoms. It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether or consult with a healthcare provider for advice on occasional consumption.
5. Coffee and Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, energy drinks and black tea are also on the list of drinks to avoid if you have EoE. Caffeine is a known gastrointestinal irritant, and for people with EoE, it can exacerbate the inflammation in the esophagus, making symptoms like heartburn, chest pain and difficulty swallowing more severe. Coffee is particularly problematic because it is both acidic and contains caffeine, creating a double hit to the esophagus.
Even decaffeinated coffee may still have enough acidity to cause problems, so it’s often recommended that individuals with EoE avoid coffee altogether. Herbal teas, especially non-acidic ones like chamomile or ginger tea, are better alternatives that provide warmth and comfort without irritating the esophagus.
6. Tomato-Based Beverages
Tomato juice and other tomato-based beverages, such as Bloody Mary cocktails, are highly acidic and should be avoided by people with EoE. Tomatoes contain malic and citric acids, which can cause acid reflux and irritate the already inflamed esophagus in EoE patients. The high acidity levels in these drinks can worsen inflammation and make swallowing even more difficult, leading to further complications and discomfort.
Like citrus juices, tomato-based drinks can be substituted with non-acidic alternatives. Instead of tomato juice, opt for vegetable-based drinks that do not contain tomatoes or high levels of acid, such as cucumber or carrot juice.
7. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks pose a particular risk to individuals with EoE, as they contain high levels of caffeine, sugar and artificial ingredients. The combination of these elements can irritate the esophagus, trigger inflammation and cause acid reflux, which can significantly worsen EoE symptoms. Additionally, the carbonation in many energy drinks adds another layer of risk, increasing bloating and pressure on the esophagus.
Energy drinks are particularly dangerous for individuals managing EoE because their high caffeine content can disrupt normal digestive function and hydration levels. Instead of energy drinks, individuals with EoE can opt for water infused with fruits like cucumber or berries for a refreshing and hydrating alternative.
Final Notes
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a complex condition that requires careful management of dietary triggers, including beverages that can worsen symptoms. Drinks like citrus juices, carbonated beverages, dairy-based drinks, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, tomato-based drinks and energy drinks should be avoided due to their potential to irritate the esophagus, promote inflammation, or cause acid reflux. Opting for non-acidic, non-caffeinated and non-dairy alternatives can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for those with EoE.