(ANN/THE STAR) Digestive issues are a global concern, often stemming from stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in three people experiences symptoms such as tummy aches, indigestion, heartburn, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea at any given time.
For some, these symptoms may lead to a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. GERD symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain, particularly at night.
GERD: A growing concern
A 2023 survey published in BMC Gastroenterology revealed that approximately 13.98 per cent of the global adult population suffers from GERD. Locally, the figure stands at around 9.7 per cent of the population.
Treatment options for GERD include lifestyle changes, medication such as proton pump inhibitors, and in severe cases, surgery.
Highlighting the importance of gut health, researchers have been exploring innovative solutions to improve and manage digestive issues. Among these, fermented soybean has emerged as a promising functional food.
The role of fermented soybean
Earlier this year, UCSI University collaborated with health supplement company Nattome to conduct a clinical study on the impact of fermented soybean in managing GERD.
Functional foods like fermented soybean are known for their health benefits beyond basic nutrition, offering properties such as antioxidants, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory effects.
“Fermented soybean offers more health benefits than its unfermented counterpart, including anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties,” said Assistant Professor Dr. Tan Chung Keat, a biochemistry expert at UCSI University.
Clinical study findings
The 12-week study, published in the August 2024 issue of Nutrients, involved 110 participants experiencing GERD symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux. Participants were divided into groups, with one group taking 1g of fermented soybean supplements daily, while another group received placebos.
Results showed significant improvements among those who consumed the fermented soybean supplements, including: 47.6 per cent reduction in heartburn symptoms, 62.9 per cent reduction in regurgitation symptoms; 13.3 per cent improvement in quality of life (QOLRAD scores) and marked reductions in inflammation markers
“These findings provide compelling evidence that fermented soybean supplementation can significantly alleviate GERD symptoms through its anti-inflammatory properties, improving patients’ quality of life,” said Dr. Tan.
Maintaining gut health
Dietitian Indra Balaratnam, also present at the event, stressed the importance of a healthy gut for overall well-being.
“When foods are digested well, the nutrients absorbed become the foundation of your health, boosting immunity and reducing the risk of chronic diseases,” she said.
Tips for managing GERD symptoms
Indra offered practical strategies to manage GERD, including:
- Practicing mindful eating
- Avoiding food and drinks that trigger acid reflux
- Eating small, frequent meals
- Including probiotic-rich foods in the diet
- Avoiding meals close to bedtime
- Reducing stress and engaging in regular exercise
These sensible approaches, combined with innovative solutions like fermented soybean supplementation, can effectively improve gut health and manage GERD symptoms.
