Khaberni - Dr. Nuria Dianova, a nutrition expert and the executive director of the Center for Healthy Nutrition Research, reported that plant protein helps reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The doctor points out that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic and recurring condition where the contents of the stomach and/or duodenum regularly backflow into the esophagus. Without treating this condition, adjusting lifestyle, and changing diet, it can progress and lead to Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition), deterioration of life quality, and psychological disorders, while the effectiveness of medications diminishes over time.
She says: "The results of the actual dietary evaluation of these patients indicate a significant dominance of fats and animal proteins, along with a lack in fiber. Observational studies have shown a significant reduction in symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease when following a vegetarian or strict vegetarian diet. The results of a clinical trial conducted by center’s experts, which included incorporating plant-based alternatives in the diet of gastroesophageal reflux disease patients and presented in November 2025 during a conference for nutritionists, indicate that patients reported a noticeable decrease in gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, such as the severity and frequency of heartburn, acid taste in the mouth, and other symptoms."
According to the doctor, dietary fibers in vegetarian diets affect esophageal movement, decreasing the sensitivity of reflux receptors, and thus reducing the risk of mucosal damage.
She says: "The rate of reflux occurrence, including acid reflux, decreases after meals containing plant protein compared to meals containing animal protein. The pH-Impedance measurement test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease. It allows for assessing the frequency, duration, and type of reflux (liquid or gas), in addition to its impact on the esophageal mucosa over 24 hours. Plant protein also leads to a faster gastric emptying compared to animal protein. Plant fats stimulate the hormone cholecystokinin to a lesser degree, which reduces the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, and thereby less reflux of stomach content into the esophagus, which is the fundamental mechanism of reflux."
