Gastroesophageal reflux disease is among the commonly reported health conditions that are caused when the long tube that links your stomach to your mouth becomes irritated by digestive acid. Patients diagnosed with GERD usually experience sore throat, lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, belching, dry coughs, and hoarseness. This discomfort can last for some minutes or several hours, depending on where it occurs. Fortunately, there are various remedies to help relieve your GERD symptoms and help you regain your life. Read on to learn more about the different treatments for Charlotte GERD.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Various studies have proven that people who are overweight are at an increased risk of developing GERD. This is because being overweight, especially in the abdominal region, tends to exert more pressure on your stomach, causing digestive acids to move back into your esophagus. Your body is also forced to work extra hard to maintain your digestive acid levels. Your healthcare provider will help you develop a weight loss program that may involve regular physical exercises and eating healthy to help lower your risk of GERD symptoms and manage your body weight.
Make Healthy Food Choices
Some certain foods and beverages can increase your risk of developing GERD symptoms. Some common GERD-trigger foods are spicy, tomatoes, coffee, alcohol, fatty foods, mint, fast food products, sugary foods, and caffeine. By consulting with your Gastroenterologist, you can make healthy diet choices by determining the type of foods and drinks that worsen your GERD symptoms. You are advised to increase your intake of high-protein foods, low-fat foods, dark green leafy vegetables, and high-fiber foods to help relieve your GERD symptoms.
Adjust your Sleep Position
Some patients usually experience a worsening of their Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms at night. This type of gastroesophageal reflux can negatively impact your sleep. Most healthcare providers suggest that eating heavy meals before sleeping can result in nighttime reflux, causing the contents in your stomach to flow back into your esophagus. However, you can effectively prevent this by slightly elevating your chest and head while sleeping. This will help keep your esophagus above your stomach to reduce your risk of digestive acid reflux.
Avoid Overeating
It has been reported that eating heavy meals tends to exert more pressure on your stomach walls, which can increase your risk of digestive acid reflux. If you are diagnosed with GERD, you are advised to eat smaller food amounts to manage your GERD symptoms. Eating heavy meals also increases the amount of food your stomach requires to digest, which can trigger your GERD symptoms. You are also advised to avoid eating quickly as this can worsen your Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms.
Learn Stress-management Techniques
GERD symptoms can be very frustrating since they interfere with everyday activities. Learning various relaxation techniques will help maintain your digestive acids from flowing in the wrong direction and help relax your mind and body. Your doctor may recommend yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to help improve your body-mind awareness and relieve your GERD symptoms.
Contact your Gastroenterologist Today
Mild cases of GERD can be treated with natural remedies such as maintaining a healthy diet, trying relaxation techniques, adjusting your sleep position, and eating small amounts of food. However, you are advised to contact your doctor if you experience unexplained weight loss, red stools, frequent chest pains, vomiting blood, and difficulty swallowing foods. Early detection and diagnosis of GERD symptoms can help lower your risk of life-threatening health complications. Get started today and contact your Gastroenterologist to find quick relief for your GERD symptoms.
