Barrett's Support
@barrettssupport.bsky.social
Concerned with Acid Reflux, Barrett's Oesophagus, associated conditions, treatments and management.
Website: Barretts.org.uk
and DownWithAcid.org.uk
Website: Barretts.org.uk
and DownWithAcid.org.uk
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus.
5. It needs a special diet. – WRONG.
Foods have no effect on Barrett’s cells.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
5. It needs a special diet. – WRONG.
Foods have no effect on Barrett’s cells.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Food
Acid and Alkali foods
The acidity or alkalinity of what we consume actually has little or no bearing on the acid production of the stomach.
Stomach acid is produced by the parietal cells in the stomac...
sites.google.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:09 AM
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus.
5. It needs a special diet. – WRONG.
Foods have no effect on Barrett’s cells.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
5. It needs a special diet. – WRONG.
Foods have no effect on Barrett’s cells.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus.
4. It’s a rare condition. – WRONG.
It is thought one person in 20 has it but only 1 in 20 of them know.
sites.google.com/site/barrett...
4. It’s a rare condition. – WRONG.
It is thought one person in 20 has it but only 1 in 20 of them know.
sites.google.com/site/barrett...
Barrett's UK - Incidence
Incidence and risk of Barrett's & Adenocarcinoma (Cancer)
(from World Barrett's Day website)
sites.google.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:42 AM
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus.
4. It’s a rare condition. – WRONG.
It is thought one person in 20 has it but only 1 in 20 of them know.
sites.google.com/site/barrett...
4. It’s a rare condition. – WRONG.
It is thought one person in 20 has it but only 1 in 20 of them know.
sites.google.com/site/barrett...
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus
3. Barrett’s inevitably develops into cancer. – WRONG.
Barrett’s is benign; all cells can mutate to cancer.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
3. Barrett’s inevitably develops into cancer. – WRONG.
Barrett’s is benign; all cells can mutate to cancer.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Footnotes
Some extra notes, discussions and observations by the author.
sites.google.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:31 AM
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus
3. Barrett’s inevitably develops into cancer. – WRONG.
Barrett’s is benign; all cells can mutate to cancer.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
3. Barrett’s inevitably develops into cancer. – WRONG.
Barrett’s is benign; all cells can mutate to cancer.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Printed copies of the "lite" version of Down With Acid are now FREE.
We just ask for postage.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
We just ask for postage.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - DWA lite
Read or download a copy, FREE, by clicking here.
Printed copies are now FREE but we do ask for postage as detailed below: Postage Costs
sites.google.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Printed copies of the "lite" version of Down With Acid are now FREE.
We just ask for postage.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
We just ask for postage.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus
2. Barrett’s causes heartburn pain. – WRONG.
Barrett’s has no symptoms of it’s own. Heartburn pain is related to oesophagitis.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
2. Barrett’s causes heartburn pain. – WRONG.
Barrett’s has no symptoms of it’s own. Heartburn pain is related to oesophagitis.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Heartburn
The real reason why acidic foods may be a problem
Pour lemon juice on your hand. It feels wet but doesn’t hurt.
sites.google.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:48 AM
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus
2. Barrett’s causes heartburn pain. – WRONG.
Barrett’s has no symptoms of it’s own. Heartburn pain is related to oesophagitis.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
2. Barrett’s causes heartburn pain. – WRONG.
Barrett’s has no symptoms of it’s own. Heartburn pain is related to oesophagitis.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus
1. Barrett’s can be cured. – WRONG.
It is the permanent addition of acid resistant cells to protect the lower oesophagus.
Like putting on a raincoat. It won’t just disappear.
sites.google.com/site/barrett...
1. Barrett’s can be cured. – WRONG.
It is the permanent addition of acid resistant cells to protect the lower oesophagus.
Like putting on a raincoat. It won’t just disappear.
sites.google.com/site/barrett...
Barrett's UK - Barrett's Oesophagus
Acid refluxing from the stomach can burn the lining of the oesophagus causing inflammation called oesophagitis, the cause of heartburn pain when irritated by some foods.
To protect itself, the body ma...
sites.google.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:41 PM
What people get wrong about Barrett’s Oesophagus
1. Barrett’s can be cured. – WRONG.
It is the permanent addition of acid resistant cells to protect the lower oesophagus.
Like putting on a raincoat. It won’t just disappear.
sites.google.com/site/barrett...
1. Barrett’s can be cured. – WRONG.
It is the permanent addition of acid resistant cells to protect the lower oesophagus.
Like putting on a raincoat. It won’t just disappear.
sites.google.com/site/barrett...
#refluxawareness More facts:
7. Medicines don’t reduce reflux: They can reduce acid so reflux is less damaging.
From surveys of 200 people. (Those on medication may have had worse symptoms originally.)
www.academia.edu/33849157/Pre...
7. Medicines don’t reduce reflux: They can reduce acid so reflux is less damaging.
From surveys of 200 people. (Those on medication may have had worse symptoms originally.)
www.academia.edu/33849157/Pre...
November 27, 2025 at 9:22 AM
#refluxawareness More facts:
7. Medicines don’t reduce reflux: They can reduce acid so reflux is less damaging.
From surveys of 200 people. (Those on medication may have had worse symptoms originally.)
www.academia.edu/33849157/Pre...
7. Medicines don’t reduce reflux: They can reduce acid so reflux is less damaging.
From surveys of 200 people. (Those on medication may have had worse symptoms originally.)
www.academia.edu/33849157/Pre...
#refluxawareness More facts:
6. On our website here, sites.google.com/site/barrett..., we have Patients’ accounts of their experiences with the following:
Fundoplication, LINX. TIF, RefluxStop, ARMA, Iqoro, Fundopexy, Gastropexy
6. On our website here, sites.google.com/site/barrett..., we have Patients’ accounts of their experiences with the following:
Fundoplication, LINX. TIF, RefluxStop, ARMA, Iqoro, Fundopexy, Gastropexy
Barrett's UK - Patient Experiences
I'VE HAD THIS! - HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT.
These pages feature patients' own stories of their first time experiences of some of the procedures and treatments Barrett's patients may receive, so others abo...
sites.google.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
#refluxawareness More facts:
6. On our website here, sites.google.com/site/barrett..., we have Patients’ accounts of their experiences with the following:
Fundoplication, LINX. TIF, RefluxStop, ARMA, Iqoro, Fundopexy, Gastropexy
6. On our website here, sites.google.com/site/barrett..., we have Patients’ accounts of their experiences with the following:
Fundoplication, LINX. TIF, RefluxStop, ARMA, Iqoro, Fundopexy, Gastropexy
#refluxawareness More facts:
5. If reflux is ruining QoL, these treatments are described here: sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
5. If reflux is ruining QoL, these treatments are described here: sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
November 25, 2025 at 7:21 AM
#refluxawareness More facts:
5. If reflux is ruining QoL, these treatments are described here: sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
5. If reflux is ruining QoL, these treatments are described here: sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
#refluxawareness More facts:
4. Reflux is best managed by lifestyle modifications:
Lose weight
Avoid tight clothes
Eat small meals – little and often.
Avoid exercise after food
Leave at least 3 hours between last meal and bed.
Raise the bedhead 15-20cm
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
4. Reflux is best managed by lifestyle modifications:
Lose weight
Avoid tight clothes
Eat small meals – little and often.
Avoid exercise after food
Leave at least 3 hours between last meal and bed.
Raise the bedhead 15-20cm
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Reflux remedies
To prevent reflux naturally.
Think of the stomach as a balloon full of liquid. The Lower Oesophageal Sphincter should hold the neck tight shut. However, for some people it doesn't work as well as it s...
sites.google.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:03 AM
#refluxawareness More facts:
4. Reflux is best managed by lifestyle modifications:
Lose weight
Avoid tight clothes
Eat small meals – little and often.
Avoid exercise after food
Leave at least 3 hours between last meal and bed.
Raise the bedhead 15-20cm
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
4. Reflux is best managed by lifestyle modifications:
Lose weight
Avoid tight clothes
Eat small meals – little and often.
Avoid exercise after food
Leave at least 3 hours between last meal and bed.
Raise the bedhead 15-20cm
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
#refluxawareness More facts:
3. Reflux cough is common but it can also affect
Throat and Speech
Mouth and taste
Teeth
Nose and smell
Ears including balance and tinnitus
Eyes
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
3. Reflux cough is common but it can also affect
Throat and Speech
Mouth and taste
Teeth
Nose and smell
Ears including balance and tinnitus
Eyes
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Extra-Oesophageal Reflux
Extra-Oesophageal Reflux / LaryngoPharyngeal Reflux / Silent reflux
If reflux persists, it can traverse the entire column of the oesophagus and breach the upper oesophageal sphincter, a group of muscl...
sites.google.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:42 AM
#refluxawareness More facts:
3. Reflux cough is common but it can also affect
Throat and Speech
Mouth and taste
Teeth
Nose and smell
Ears including balance and tinnitus
Eyes
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
3. Reflux cough is common but it can also affect
Throat and Speech
Mouth and taste
Teeth
Nose and smell
Ears including balance and tinnitus
Eyes
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
We are told the main cause of reflux is obesity. Barrett's Oesophagus is a possible consequence of frequent reflux.
But in a flash survey answered by 135 people with Barrett's, we found half have a normal Body Mass Index:
But in a flash survey answered by 135 people with Barrett's, we found half have a normal Body Mass Index:
November 22, 2025 at 11:22 AM
We are told the main cause of reflux is obesity. Barrett's Oesophagus is a possible consequence of frequent reflux.
But in a flash survey answered by 135 people with Barrett's, we found half have a normal Body Mass Index:
But in a flash survey answered by 135 people with Barrett's, we found half have a normal Body Mass Index:
#refluxawareness More facts:
2. Reflux can aspirate into the lungs which it can damage, even causing pneumonia and other concerning conditions described here:
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
2. Reflux can aspirate into the lungs which it can damage, even causing pneumonia and other concerning conditions described here:
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - ENT
Ear, Nose and Throat (otorhinolaryngological) problems may be associated with extra-oesophageal reflux. (See the chapter on Reflux to explain the mechanism.) Pulmonary aspiration can take refluxate fr...
sites.google.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:10 AM
#refluxawareness More facts:
2. Reflux can aspirate into the lungs which it can damage, even causing pneumonia and other concerning conditions described here:
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
2. Reflux can aspirate into the lungs which it can damage, even causing pneumonia and other concerning conditions described here:
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
#refluxawareness More facts:
1. Not everyone with reflux feels heartburn.
Of 200 refluxers with Barrett’s Oesophagus, 48% of women and 22% of men did not feel the reflux that had contributed to it.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
1. Not everyone with reflux feels heartburn.
Of 200 refluxers with Barrett’s Oesophagus, 48% of women and 22% of men did not feel the reflux that had contributed to it.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Extra-Oesophageal Reflux
Extra-Oesophageal Reflux / LaryngoPharyngeal Reflux / Silent reflux
If reflux persists, it can traverse the entire column of the oesophagus and breach the upper oesophageal sphincter, a group of muscl...
sites.google.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:32 AM
#refluxawareness More facts:
1. Not everyone with reflux feels heartburn.
Of 200 refluxers with Barrett’s Oesophagus, 48% of women and 22% of men did not feel the reflux that had contributed to it.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
1. Not everyone with reflux feels heartburn.
Of 200 refluxers with Barrett’s Oesophagus, 48% of women and 22% of men did not feel the reflux that had contributed to it.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
#refluxawareness
Even some “doctors” can get it wrong.
From a well-known US voice specialist:
“Most Common Medical Terms for Reflux .. Laryngopharyngeal reflux .. Extraesophageal reflux disease .. Barrett’s esophagus”
Barrett’s is NOT the same thing!
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Even some “doctors” can get it wrong.
From a well-known US voice specialist:
“Most Common Medical Terms for Reflux .. Laryngopharyngeal reflux .. Extraesophageal reflux disease .. Barrett’s esophagus”
Barrett’s is NOT the same thing!
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Barrett's Oesophagus
A perceived possible progression
Acid Reflux -> Oesophagitis -> Barrett's Oesophagus -> Oesophageal cancer
Acid refluxing into the oesophagus may wash aside the mucous lining and attack the squamous c...
sites.google.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:43 AM
#refluxawareness
Even some “doctors” can get it wrong.
From a well-known US voice specialist:
“Most Common Medical Terms for Reflux .. Laryngopharyngeal reflux .. Extraesophageal reflux disease .. Barrett’s esophagus”
Barrett’s is NOT the same thing!
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Even some “doctors” can get it wrong.
From a well-known US voice specialist:
“Most Common Medical Terms for Reflux .. Laryngopharyngeal reflux .. Extraesophageal reflux disease .. Barrett’s esophagus”
Barrett’s is NOT the same thing!
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
#refluxawareness
(Gastro-Oesopageal) Reflux is NOT
1. Caused by food
2. Caused by acid
3. Stopped by acid suppressants
4. Stopped by diet
5. Cured by “natural” remedies
6. Directly the cause of oesophageal cancer
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
(Gastro-Oesopageal) Reflux is NOT
1. Caused by food
2. Caused by acid
3. Stopped by acid suppressants
4. Stopped by diet
5. Cured by “natural” remedies
6. Directly the cause of oesophageal cancer
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Reflux
Acid Reflux
sites.google.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:21 AM
#refluxawareness
(Gastro-Oesopageal) Reflux is NOT
1. Caused by food
2. Caused by acid
3. Stopped by acid suppressants
4. Stopped by diet
5. Cured by “natural” remedies
6. Directly the cause of oesophageal cancer
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
(Gastro-Oesopageal) Reflux is NOT
1. Caused by food
2. Caused by acid
3. Stopped by acid suppressants
4. Stopped by diet
5. Cured by “natural” remedies
6. Directly the cause of oesophageal cancer
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
6. Acid reflux causes cancer. – It can but it’s indirect and can be prevented.
Acid reflux can cause Barrett’s which can mutate to cancer.
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
6. Acid reflux causes cancer. – It can but it’s indirect and can be prevented.
Acid reflux can cause Barrett’s which can mutate to cancer.
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Reducing Cancer risk
Oesophageal AdenoCarcinoma is invariably a mutation of cells of Barrett's Oesophagus.
sites.google.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:40 AM
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
6. Acid reflux causes cancer. – It can but it’s indirect and can be prevented.
Acid reflux can cause Barrett’s which can mutate to cancer.
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
6. Acid reflux causes cancer. – It can but it’s indirect and can be prevented.
Acid reflux can cause Barrett’s which can mutate to cancer.
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
5. Reflux can be cured with natural medicines. – WRONG. But reflux can be reduced “naturally” through the lifestyle modifications described here: sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
5. Reflux can be cured with natural medicines. – WRONG. But reflux can be reduced “naturally” through the lifestyle modifications described here: sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Reflux remedies
To prevent reflux naturally.
Think of the stomach as a balloon full of liquid. The Lower Oesophageal Sphincter should hold the neck tight shut. However, for some people it doesn't work as well as it s...
sites.google.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:09 AM
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
5. Reflux can be cured with natural medicines. – WRONG. But reflux can be reduced “naturally” through the lifestyle modifications described here: sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
5. Reflux can be cured with natural medicines. – WRONG. But reflux can be reduced “naturally” through the lifestyle modifications described here: sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
4. Dietary changes can reduce reflux. – WRONG, but some foods may irritate oesophagitis causing heartburn.
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
4. Dietary changes can reduce reflux. – WRONG, but some foods may irritate oesophagitis causing heartburn.
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - Heartburn
The real reason why acidic foods may be a problem
Pour lemon juice on your hand. It feels wet but doesn’t hurt.
sites.google.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:38 AM
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
4. Dietary changes can reduce reflux. – WRONG, but some foods may irritate oesophagitis causing heartburn.
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux
4. Dietary changes can reduce reflux. – WRONG, but some foods may irritate oesophagitis causing heartburn.
See sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux - aka acid reflux.
3. Acid suppressant medicines stop reflux. – WRONG, they reduce the acid the reflux carries, making it less damaging or noticeable.
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux - aka acid reflux.
3. Acid suppressant medicines stop reflux. – WRONG, they reduce the acid the reflux carries, making it less damaging or noticeable.
November 16, 2025 at 8:48 AM
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux - aka acid reflux.
3. Acid suppressant medicines stop reflux. – WRONG, they reduce the acid the reflux carries, making it less damaging or noticeable.
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux - aka acid reflux.
3. Acid suppressant medicines stop reflux. – WRONG, they reduce the acid the reflux carries, making it less damaging or noticeable.
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux - aka acid reflux.
2. It is caused by stomach acid. – WRONG but it carries acid into the oesophagus
It's due to an incompetent Lower Oesophageal Sphincter.
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux - aka acid reflux.
2. It is caused by stomach acid. – WRONG but it carries acid into the oesophagus
It's due to an incompetent Lower Oesophageal Sphincter.
November 15, 2025 at 10:43 AM
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux - aka acid reflux.
2. It is caused by stomach acid. – WRONG but it carries acid into the oesophagus
It's due to an incompetent Lower Oesophageal Sphincter.
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux - aka acid reflux.
2. It is caused by stomach acid. – WRONG but it carries acid into the oesophagus
It's due to an incompetent Lower Oesophageal Sphincter.
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux.
1. It is caused by food. - WRONG, unless the stomach is so full it overflows.)
It's due to an incompetent Lower Oesophageal Sphincter.
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux.
1. It is caused by food. - WRONG, unless the stomach is so full it overflows.)
It's due to an incompetent Lower Oesophageal Sphincter.
November 14, 2025 at 11:49 AM
#refluxawareness
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux.
1. It is caused by food. - WRONG, unless the stomach is so full it overflows.)
It's due to an incompetent Lower Oesophageal Sphincter.
Misconceptions about (Gastro-Oesophageal) Reflux.
1. It is caused by food. - WRONG, unless the stomach is so full it overflows.)
It's due to an incompetent Lower Oesophageal Sphincter.
Is there a GP surgery, clinic or hospital that would like a box of 40 of these DWA lite booklets?
One box has been donated (worth £100). First come first served.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
One box has been donated (worth £100). First come first served.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
Down With Acid - DWA lite
Printed Copies of Down With Acid are no longer available (although second-hand copies have been seen on eBay and Amazon at £30 each).
It has grown too large and is updated too frequently to make a pri...
sites.google.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Is there a GP surgery, clinic or hospital that would like a box of 40 of these DWA lite booklets?
One box has been donated (worth £100). First come first served.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
One box has been donated (worth £100). First come first served.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
The full Down With Acid encyclopaedia is now only available online as it's too big and updated often.
But DWA light is printed in English and French.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
(Apaga tu ardor is available from Asenbar charity.)
But DWA light is printed in English and French.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
(Apaga tu ardor is available from Asenbar charity.)
November 5, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The full Down With Acid encyclopaedia is now only available online as it's too big and updated often.
But DWA light is printed in English and French.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
(Apaga tu ardor is available from Asenbar charity.)
But DWA light is printed in English and French.
sites.google.com/view/down-wi...
(Apaga tu ardor is available from Asenbar charity.)
Reposted by Barrett's Support
My position on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) edzardernst.com/2025/11/my-p...
My position on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
I asked AI about my position on alternative and complementary medicine (CAM). Not that I don't know it, but I was interested in the public perception of it. I used the term CAM because it is better kn...
edzardernst.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:40 AM
My position on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) edzardernst.com/2025/11/my-p...