GERD
or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a very
common lifestyle disorder of modern-day living.
While severe cases of GERD must be treated
comprehensively, simple GERD precautions
can help many people with mild GERD to avoid an
aggravation of their symptoms.
GERD
happen when the lower esophageal sphincter at the
junction of the esophagus and stomach normally
keeps the food from traveling back into the
esophagus. When the sphincter does not relax
completely or relaxes at inopportune times the
corrosive contents of the stomach regurgitate into
the esophagus causing heartburn and symptoms of
GERD. But this is only the anatomical explanation
for the cause of GERD. Emotional and mental
well-being is also now known to influence the
digestion process.
Certain
other risk factors are also known to trigger off
symptoms such as heavy meals containing fatty and
fried foods, spicy foods, lying down immediately
after a meal, eating prior to exercise, cigarette
smoking, obesity, defective posture, alcohol
intake, some medications, psychological stress,
etc.
Most
doctors advise antacids or prescription
medications such as proton-pump inhibitors.
Although they provide relief of symptoms, albeit,
temporarily, they have serious side effects and
the disease is practically left
untreated.
GERD
is not a life-threatening but can soon become a
nagging issue. Some simple GERD precautions
can help alleviate symptoms:
1)
Avoid foods that cause the LES to relax like
chocolates, caffeinated beverages, fatty foods,
spicy foods, carbonated beverages, citrus foods,
peppermint, etc.
2)
Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid
overeating.
3)
Give up smoking.
4)
Lose weight.
5)
Do not lie down immediately after eating. Wait for
at least three hours after the last meal. Also do
not bend after eating. Always bend at the knees
than the waist. It puts less pressure on the
abdomen.
6)
Reflux of acid is more injurious at night than
during the day. Elevate the head of the bed at
least six inches.
7) A
wedge pillow is also
helpful.
8)
Avoid tight-fitting garments especially around the
waist and abdomen.
9)
Chew sugarless gum between meals. This produces
more saliva which is alkaline and helps neutralize
the acid. The swallowing action will push the food
back into the stomach.
10)
Take it easy, take up an exercise regimen or yoga
to help relieve stress.
11)
Some studies have also linked excessive salt
intake with development of GERD. Limiting salt
intake is probably a wise
precaution.
12)
Regular use of antacids is extremely harmful in
the long run.
Prevention
is always better and cheaper than treat. In more
serious cases of GERD, a holistic approach to the
problem of GERD is the only permanent way to solve
this problem. A holistic practitioner will
consider your body as a whole. The human body has
physical, emotional, mental as well as a spiritual
side. An imbalance among these leads to disease.
To bring about a balance all these sides need to
be treated. Only this will help in curing disease
and lead to a healthy life.
