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GERD

ACID FLUX

Acid flux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This condition is often termed "gastroesophageal reflux disease" or "GERD" when it results in a troublesome symptoms and damages. Simply put, GERD is a more chronic form of acid flux that requires urgent medical attention to alleviate esophagus damage. 

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SYMPTOMS

  • Heartburn, burning feeling experienced around the chest

  • Regurgitation, occurs when acid and undigested food backs up into the throat/mouth.

  • Stomach or chest pain

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Having a raspy voice or a sore throat

  • Unexplained cough

  • Nausea or vomiting

NATURAL WAYS TO PREVENT GERD

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WEIGHT LOSS: 

Adding weight is one of the biggest risk factors that can be linked with GERD. One of the best ways to overcome GERD is through weight loss. Click here for information on comprehensive weight management guide.

RAISING THE HEAD OF BED BY 6 TO 8 INCHES:

Acid are bound to leak from the stomach into the esophagus easily when a person a person sleeps with his or her back using a standard pillow. A wedge pillow usually prevents this from happening by elevating the head and shoulders. The gravity prevents the content of the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus thus avoiding GERD.

Hotel bed pillows

DIET:

Certain triggers such as coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and fatty foods play critical role in GERD by aggravating the symptoms and thus, should be avoided. 

Fast Food
Fresh Coffee
Liquor Bottles

LATE NIGHT MEALS:

Eating late at night and sleeping isn’t a good thing for people with heartburn. Laying down immediately after meal doesn’t aid digestion because, the stomach requires at least three hours to empty its content.  Laying down immediately after meal causes the content of the stomach to flow into the esophagus thereby causing reflux.  Meal should be taking 2-3 hours prior to bedtime.

Clock

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

Tight cloths are known to cause changes in cells around the stomach junction and oesophagus which ultimately lead to reflux. To avoid this, people with heartburn should always wear comfortable clothes that do not add pressure around the stomach region.

MEDICATIONS:

Over the counter and prescription medications such as nexium, pepcid, protonix etc. can help with symptoms of GERD.

In addition, mastic gum has shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and associated symptoms and .

ALARM SIGNS:

If symptoms do not get better within 2-6 weeks of above interventions, this may be a sign of un advanced pathology such as

  • Peptic ulcer disease

  • H.pylori infection

  • Hiatal hernia or

  • Additional digestive issues

 This could also mean that the diagnosis of GERD is incorrect and in this case, further evaluation must be performed. 

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