How To Find Relief from GERD

Thousands of people experience the intense pain of Gerd on a regular basis. Someitmes this is on a for a shot time only such as heartburn during pregnancy but more often it is a persistent problem. The condition is believed to result from a problem with the esophageal sphincter muscle, which shuts the opening between the stomach and the esophagus. If this muscle does not work properly, the contents of the stomach (including the strong stomach acids which are necessary for the digestive process) leave the stomach and invade the esophagus. This results in burning and pain, and if left untreated can even be the cause of tissue damage to the esophagus. So what options are available for sufferers? 

Medical Treatments For Acid Reflux

Perhaps the most important piece of advice for someone suffering from acid reflux symptoms is to visit a doctor. Doctors can diagnose the cause of acid reflux and can also make sure the treatment recommended is the most appropriate sort. A large variety of over the counter and prescription drugs are available, but some professional health practitioners recommend changes to lifestyle first. Only if these measures are ineffective are medicines offered as a solution. The good news is that these medicines are highly effective for many suffers. In a very small minority of cases, when both medical treatments and lifestyle changes fail, surgery may be a last resort.

Changes To Lifestyle

Many physicians attribute the increase in acid reflux to the modern diet which is filled with simple carbohydrates, high fat products and relatively low levels of physical exertion. Also, being overweight makes it more likely you will suffer from Gerd. It’s likely that the increased pressure on the stomach (caused by carrying extra pounds across the tummy) make it difficult for the esophageal sphincter to function appropriately. Therefore, one acid reflux treatment that is often recommended is to eat a low fat diet. Also, many physicians suggest completely stopping eating things that can aggravate acid reflux disease including fizzy drinks, high acid fruits and vegetables and caffeine. Vitamin U supplements may also be recommended.

Many who have acid reflux find the symptoms worsen during the night. This most likely occurs because lying flat makes it easier for stomach acid to escape the stomach since there is less force of gravity to keep the contents within the stomach. An additional acid reflux remedy that relates to ones lifestyle, then, is to sleep on an incline. Raising a bed just a few inches can prove to be an efficient aid. For those who sleep with someone who doesn’t need the incline, or whose bed isn’t able to rise at one end, the inflatable sleep wedge, which simply elevates the head and shoulders can also be bought.