Gerd Symptoms

Alternatively, the person could sleep with a wedge under the upper body. This will typically make it easier to create a downward angle for the esophagus, promoting drainage and somewhat preventing reflux. To help compound the effects of proper positioning, sleeping on the left side also decreases incidence of reflux.

People with GERD should note the importance of raising the uppers torso at night time. Though reflux is much more frequent and distressing at night time, night time is not the only time that reflux occurs. Even when the person is upright most of the day, reflux may still occur, that is why other treatment options are available.

GERD can be treated successfully if people affected make changes in their diet and eating habits. Some eating habits to note are as follows:

• Eat smaller meals more frequently. Smaller meals distend the stomach less, creating less pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and lessening the chance for reflux. Instead of 3 big meals a day, 6 smaller meals a day can benefit those afflicted with GERD.
• Wait 2-3 hours before lying down or sleeping after a meal.Before lying down, a person diagnosed with GERD should allow his stomach to empty to reduce the chance of food exerting pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.
• Lose weight. It is a known fact that obesity is a harbinger of many ailments, and GERD is one of those ailments.

Changing eating habits does indeed help in preventing instances of refluxes, but there are certain food types that should be avoided if you want to avoid an acid reflux.

There are some known foods that increase the risk for acid reflux. Some examples of food that should be avoided by people with GERD include but are not limited to:

• carbonated beverages
• spicy foods
• citrus juices
• tomato juice
• fatty food
• coffee
• alcohol
• chocolate
• peppermint

Chewing gum, on the other hand, is encouraged because it can stimulate the production of bicarbonate containing saliva and increase swallowing. Swallowing constantly will counterbalance the acids in the esophagus. It is basically exercising the esophagus process which will make the body parts that are included become stronger.

If positioning and lifestyle modification does not work, there is always medicine. Antacids are the mainstream course of treatment when people experience the symptoms of GERD. The result of taking antacid is the neutralization of acids that are floating in the stomach. The most disappointing aspect of taking antacids is the fact they are short-lived in their effectiveness. After taking antacid, acid will arise again within the hour or so, necessitating the person to always take antacids. After a meal, people with GERD should take some antacids around an hour after. The emptying of the belly is slowed from the food that is still in there and therefore, taking antacid an hour after will ensure its effectiveness. After taking antacid an hour after the meal, wait two more hours before taking more antacid to take advantage of the benefits during the process of emptying.

Antacids may consist of calcium, magnesium or aluminum. Calcium will promote the discharge of gastrin (a hormone that causes acid secretion) from the duodenum and the belly. After the acid-neutralization outcome of the calcium is worn out, the emission of acid rebounds. Overproduction of acid is the result of the sudden release of gastrin and it causes the rebound. This increase of acid is not needed and may lead to an even more painful acid reflux, should it happen. There is no direct proof of calcium-based antacid being better or worse than other treatments that are not calcium-based. Ironically, the occasional use of calcium-based antacid is ok but should be advisably used with caution because it is supposedly dangerous to the esophagus.

Aluminum-based antacids is said to cause constipation while magnesium-based antacids is said to cause diarrhea. It does not take a genius to decide not to consume products that cause just as much or worse of an uncomfortable scenario as acid reflux.