Compliments of 10 Tips to Johns Hopkins Medicine Prevent Reflux Disease International

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)— what we call “acid indigestion” or “heartburn”—is caused in most cases by a weakening or malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the tiny valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Following these tips can help you control or prevent GERD.

Control your weight. Obesity severity and symptoms), what gave relief 1 generally increases abdominal and whether symptoms interfered with pressure, thus boosting the chances that sleep or daily activities. This information stomach acid will be forced up into the helps your doctor to confirm the esophagus. Losing weight may be the diagnosis and determine whether the single best way to decrease reflux. recommended treatment is effectively reducing your symptoms. Avoid trigger foods and 2 medications. Avoid fatty and Relax. Stress can cause visceral fried foods; carbonated beverages; garlic 9 sensations, like feelings of fullness and onions; chocolate, peppermint and Sleep with head and torso or pain, and can lead to behaviors that spearmint; acidic vegetables including trigger heartburn, such as overeating. elevated. Lying down flat causes tomatoes and tomato sauces; and citrus 5 Get enough sleep, eat a balanced the stomach’s contents to press against fruits. Among medications, some muscle diet and consider learning some the LES, especially if you tend to sleep relaxers and blood-pressure medications visualization, breathing or meditation on your right side. Having the head are known to cause GERD. techniques. Exercise can also help, if and shoulders higher than the stomach your workout is done at least two hours helps gravity keep your last meal where Eat smaller, more frequent after a meal. 3meals. Large meals expand the it belongs. At the head of the bed, either stomach and can increase upward position a solid foam wedge under the Seek treatment for chronic pressure on the LES. The same goes mattress or else secure wooden blocks 10 GERD. Investigate other options for water: Drink smaller amounts under the bed’s legs at that end. Just if symptoms persist even after avoiding throughout the day rather than a few using extra pillows may not do the trick. the recognized triggers. large glasses full. Chewing a stick of Quit smoking and avoid alcohol. gum 30 minutes after a meal stimulates Testing to examine the lining of the the production of saliva, which in turn 6 Nicotine can weaken the LES, esophagus and stomach can help your can neutralize and dilute stomach acid. while smoking stimulates stomach-acid doctor determine if inflammation production. Alcohol, too, increases the and possibly ulceration are present. Avoid lying down right after production of acid and can relax the Medications to decrease stomach acid 4 a meal. Wait 2-3 hours before stomach sphincter. production are usually effective. If retiring. Even bending over at the waist Wear loose-fitting clothes. medical treatment fails and symptoms soon after eating increases pressure on are severe, further testing can be Belts, waistbands and slenderizing the stomach and LES. When you’re 7 employed to quantify the severity undergarments, if too tight, also can upright, gravity not only keeps the of reflux and better understand the push food back up into the esophagus. stomach’s contents from backing up but mechanisms of ongoing symptoms. Take particular care to wear loose-fitting also encourages them to flow on down As a last resort, your doctor may bed clothes. into the intestines. Take a walk after recommend surgery—usually performed meals and avoid bedtime snacks. Keep a record of your laparoscopically—to strengthen the 8 symptoms. Record what triggered LES. your acid-reflux episodes (their duration,

Disclaimer/Disclosure: © 2014 Johns Hopkins University. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.