GERD – Prevention

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What is GERD?      

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest called heartburn, as well as other symptoms such as regurgitation (acid coming back up into the mouth), difficulty swallowing, and a sore throat.

How common is GERD?

GERD is a very common condition, affecting up to 20% of adults in the United States. It is more common in people over the age of 40, and it is also more common in women than in men.

How to Prevent GERD ?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that affects up to 20% of adults in the United States. It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest called heartburn, as well as other symptoms such as regurgitation (acid coming back up into the mouth), difficulty swallowing, and a sore throat.

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent GERD, including:

  • Losing weight if you are overweight or obese. Excess weight puts pressure on your abdomen, which can push stomach acid up into your esophagus.
  • Avoiding trigger foods and drinks. Certain foods and drinks can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that normally keeps stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. Common trigger foods and drinks include:
    • Fatty foods
    • Chocolate
    • Coffee
    • Alcohol
    • Spicy foods
    • Citrus fruits and juices
    • Peppermint
    • Onions
    • Garlic
  • Not eating before bed. When you lie down, gravity pulls whatever’s in your stomach toward your esophagus. By eating earlier, there’s less food in there to come back up and bring on GERD symptoms.
  • Raising the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches. This helps to keep stomach acid from backing up into your esophagus while you’re sleeping.
  • Quitting smoking. Smoking can irritate the lining of your esophagus and make it more susceptible to damage from stomach acid.
  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals. This helps to keep your stomach from becoming too full, which can put pressure on the LES.
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothing. Tight-fitting clothing can put pressure on your abdomen, which can also push stomach acid up into your esophagus.
  • Managing stress. Stress can relax the LES, making it more likely for stomach acid to back up into your esophagus.

If you follow these tips, you can help to prevent GERD and reduce your risk of developing complications. However, if you do experience symptoms of GERD, talk to your doctor. They can help you to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Additional tips for preventing GERD

In addition to the tips listed above, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent GERD:

  • Avoid lying down after eating. If you do lie down, wait at least 3 hours after eating.
  • Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects after eating. These activities can increase pressure in your abdomen and make it more likely for stomach acid to back up into your esophagus.
  • If you have a hiatal hernia, talk to your doctor about treatment options. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. This can increase the risk of GERD.
  • If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about ways to manage GERD. GERD is a common condition during pregnancy, but there are steps you can take to reduce your symptoms.

Conclusion                                                                             

GERD is a common condition, but there are a number of things you can do to help prevent it. By following the tips in this article, you can reduce your risk of developing GERD and its complications.

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