GERD
Acid reflux happens when acid from your stomach goes into your esophagus (swallowing tube), causing burning sensation (heartburn). Besides heartburn, other health problems can happen over time if the acid keeps going into your esophagus.
Some foods can make acid reflux symptoms worse!
Common trigger foods:
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Alcoholic beverages
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Chocolate
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Citrus juices (e.g. orange and grapefruit)
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Coffee and other drinks with caffeine
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Fried and fatty foods
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Spicy foods (including Garlic, Onions, peppermint)
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Tomato-based products (e.g. tomato sauce and pizza)
Lifestyle changes may be helpful in reducing GERD symptoms!
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Control body weight
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Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for heartburn
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Eat smaller meals
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Loosen belt
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Clothes that fit tightly around the waist put pressure on the abdomen
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Avoid stooping or bending
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Tying shoes is ok
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Bending over for longer periods to weed the garden isn’t, especially soon after eating
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Avoid lying down after a meal
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Wait at least three to four hours after eating before going to bed, and don’t lie down right
after eating -
Raise the head of your bed
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An elevation of about six to nine inches puts gravity to work
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Place wooden or cement blocks under the feet at the head of the bed, a wedge can also be inserted between the mattress and box spring to elevate the body from the waist up
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Stop smoking
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Smoking may increase stomach acid
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The swallowing of air during smoking may also aggravate belching and acid reflux
Are diet and lifestyle changes enough?