Preventing
acid reflux is
easier, safer, and far cheaper than treating it.
This very common condition occurs when the
sphincter that serves as a barrier between the
esophagus and stomach relaxes permitting the
corrosive stomach contents to reflux into the
esophagus. Normally, other factors counteract the
tendency of stomach contents regurgitating into
the esophagus. First of all, the peristaltic
motion of the esophagus propels the food down into
the stomach. So, any stomach juices that reflux up
into the esophagus are sent back into the stomach.
Secondly, saliva is alkaline in nature and helps
neutralize any acid brought up into the esophagus.
Additionally, gravity not
only keeps the stomach contents from backing up
but also encourages it to pass on down into the
intestines.
When
GERD is diagnosed, it means there is mucosal
damage caused by abnormal acid retention in the
esophagus. If left untreated, constant acid
exposure can trigger a disorder called Barrett's
esophagus, a premalignant condition which can
develop into esophageal cancer. Fortunately small
changes in lifestyle and diet habits can
prevent acid reflux and avoid a lot of
grief later. Some changes that can be incorporated
in daily life are:
1)
Eat smaller, frequent meals rather than three
large ones. Chew food well to help digest it
better.
2)
Allow at least three to four hours before lying
down after a meal.
3)
Sleep with the head and torso elevated. This may
be achieved by elevating the head of the bed using
blocks or bricks or using a wedge pillow. Using
extra pillows does not help and as a matter of
fact causes more strain.
4)
Avoid trigger foods and medications, fatty and
fried foods, carbonated and caffeinated beverages,
whole milk, garlic, onions, chocolate, peppermint
very spicy foods, and acidic vegetables and
fruits.
5)
Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which
helps neutralize the stomach acid.
6)
Regular intake of drinking water has been proven
to help a lot in acid reflux prevention. Luke warm
water helps to flush away any acid in the
esophagus.
7)
Correct posture also helps keep stomach contents
from refluxing. Avoid bending too much especially
after meals.
8)
Quit smoking and avoid alcoholic
beverages.
Nicotine weakens the LES, and smoking stimulates
stomach-acid production. Alcohol, too, increases
the production of acid and relaxes the stomach
sphincter.
9)
Lose excess weight.
Obesity increases abdominal pressure, thus
boosting the chances of stomach acid being forced
up into the
esophagus.
10)
Avoid tight-fitting clothes especially
at bedtime.
11)
Keep a detailed record of
what triggered your acid-reflux episodes, their
duration and severity. This information will help
your doctor to recommend effective
treatment.
12)
Relax. Stress
not only increases stomach-acid production but can
also lead to behaviors that trigger heartburn,
such as overeating. Regulate your sleep cycle, eat
a balanced diet and try yoga or meditation
techniques. Exercise can also help, but workouts
should be done at least two hours after a meal and
avoid jarring exercises like
jogging.
13)
Get treated for persistent
GERD.
Treatment with medication to decrease stomach acid
production is usually effective but may be harmful
if taken for prolonged period. Surgery may be
considered if all else fails.
Though
not a life-threatening disease, acid reflux can
prevent you from enjoying events in your life,
focusing on work, or getting the rest you
desperately need. A holistic approach to leading a
symptom-free life would involve all the above
steps and the need to take harmful medications
will diminish.
