Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder of the esophagus, characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) into the esophageal tissue. In EoE, there is so much immune activity in the esophagus that the esophagus becomes inflamed, irritated, leaky, and can even rupture, leading to excessive bleeding if left untreated for many years. This condition impacts the esophagus' ability to help with swallowing foods and liquids, and people who have it frequently experience issues with swallowing as well as throat or chest pain. Trouble swallowing can become so severe in EoE that people can choke or develop food impactions, which are medical emergencies.
We recently were featured in an article on Rupa Health explaining our unique, evidence-based approach to treating eosinophilic esophagitis that gets people amazing results! Check it out here and read some excerpts below.
We also covered the natural approaches we typically use to help clients with EoE on a 90 second instagram reel recently.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Natural Treatments
There are so many things you can do at home, in the kitchen, in the grocery store and with supplements that are proven to improve the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis!
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Diet
Dietary changes to improve eosinophilic esophagitis include the Step Up Diet and food elimination diets aimed at reducing the amount of immune-triggering foods a person ingests. This may include eliminating wheat, dairy, eggs, soy or other foods and can result in symptom remission for over 40% of people with eosinophilic esophagitis.
This diet doesn't have to be hard. We specialize in our practice at designing meal plans that are delicious, fun to make and easy to implement. Our goal is to make you forget you're eating gluten and dairy free and instead to trick you into eating delicious meals and treats that happen to not contain any allergens. :)
Probiotics for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
If SIBO is present, a temporary low FODMAP diet can be used for short-term relief, while antimicrobial, prokinetic, and other treatments are used to address the root cause.
Probiotics like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, as well as short-chain fatty acids (probiotic products) like butyrate, have been shown to improve symptoms in people with EoE.
Our medical and nutrition team members are experts in SIBO and other gut health issues, and can help you heal this quickly and effectively.
Herbs for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Just as PPIs can help to improve outcomes in EoE, demulcent herbs can also be helpful to improve symptoms by helping to soothe irritation in esophageal tissues. These herbs include Althea officinalis (marshmallow), DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice root), and aloe vera.
Histamine Support to Heal EoE
Mast cells are found in high concentrations in the esophageal tissue of people with EoE. When released, mast cells contain histamine, which can create tissue permeability (similar to leaky gut). Consumption or supplementation of vitamin C can act as a stabilizer for these side effects.
If you want to talk with a team who have experience helping people heal EoE from the inside out, for good, give us a call and get started on your Thrive journey today.
Warmly,
Dr. Kate