Heartburn and GERD Require Lifestyle Changes

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If you have been diagnosed with having chronic heartburn or GERD, then most likely, your doctor has advised you to make a few changes in your lifestyle. Most of these changes he must have suggested are really healthier and will really relieve the pain you feel in your chest due to the stomach acid going up to your esophagus.

If you have not yet consulted a doctor, and you are experiencing frequent chest pain similar to a burning sensation, then immediately have a consult. While it is most likely heartburn, you cannot rule out all the possibilities just yet.

Some of the changes a doctor will recommend is a less acidic diet, smaller meals, loose clothing, and no meals at least 3 hours before sleeping. The less acid you have in your stomach, the less likely that any acid will travel up to your esophagus. Some acidic food and drinks are citrus fruits and drinks, caffeine products, chocolate, fatty meat, fried food, French fries, food cooked in tomato sauce like spaghetti or pizza, spicy foods, too much garlic and onions, and alcoholic drinks.

It is also time to stop smoking since nicotine tends to promote GERD or the opening of the muscle that allows the acid to travel to the esophagus. Of course, trying to quit smoking is a monumental task on its own, so you can try several techniques like a patch, professional counseling, a support group, or even medicine to reduce the craving for nicotine.

What you should realize is that if you can avoid situations where you will want to reach for a cigarette like parties, stressful situations, or a smoking group, then your chances of being able to quit rises exponentially. Since drinking also often goes together with smoking, you can start reducing your alcoholic intake as well.

Some habits after eating must also be adjusted. For instance, don’t lie down or put yourself in a position where your head is level with your stomach. You must wait at least a couple of hours first, or if you must lie down, keep your chest and head at least six inches above your waist.

Try not to bend especially after eating also. If you need to pick up something, lower your entire body, instead of bending over from the waist. In the same manner, tight fitting clothes will cause the stomach juices to find an outlet since the stomach area is being squeezed by the tight clothes. To give you an idea of what not to do, think of what can give you gas, and then avoid doing it. For some people, it’s constantly laughing even after a full meal. Now, while there is nothing wrong with laughing, a remedy would be to have a smaller meal, not to eat too much, or to eat slowly and in stages, with mini breaks in between.

These are just some of the changes that you must try to do to relieve your chronic indigestion. It will make your life much more pleasant and painless.