One out of 5 Americans suffers from GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It is a condition, where acidic contents from your stomach constantly leak up in your esophagus tube that connects the throat and stomach. When a valve at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter fails to close properly after food enters the stomach and digestion starts, the acid backwash flows towards the throat and gives your mouth a sour taste. Acid reflux occurs at some point, but when it occurs frequently, then you need to visit your doctor.
The experienced doctors at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics offer reflux surgery in Atlanta to patients struggling with chronic acid reflux. Nevertheless, there is also a need to make lifestyle and diet changes so you can avoid surgery by keeping indigestion at bay.
The main symptoms of chronic acid reflux are constant acid regurgitation and heartburn. Some people don’t feel heartburn but experience chest pain, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness when they wake in the morning. Your throat may also feel tight and choked. GERD even causes bad breath and dry cough.
Anti-Reflux Diet
Some studies report how simple dietary changes have helped sufferers to reduce their GERD symptoms significantly.
● Be conscious in choosing food and beverages. Monitor the kind of food and drinks that agitate your symptoms often. Avoid the ones that trigger your symptoms. Common foods that trigger acid reflux include carbonated beverages, tea, coffee, spicy foods, fatty, and fried foods. Even tomatoes, citrus fruits, onions, garlic, chocolate, and peppermint aggravate GERD symptoms.
● Large meals take a long time to leave the stomach and can stress the valve between the esophagus and stomach. Therefore, eat small meals frequently.
● According to research, beer and white wine induce reflux, so avoid alcohol.
Lifestyle Changes
● Excess weight increases the possibility of distorting valve anatomy, which can trigger reflux.
● Never lie down flat within 3 hours of eating. As the valve is not working properly, the stomach's acidic content flows back towards your throat. Therefore, don’t recline for 3 hours after eating.
● According to research, resting at a little inclined position facilitates the gravity to work. Therefore, raise the head side of the bed by 7 to 8 inches, so that the nighttime reflux episodes get reduced.
● Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stomach pressure because an increase can trigger GERD symptoms.
● Nicotine weakens the connecting valve between the esophagus and stomach, so refrain from smoking.
Recover Your Life From Recurring Reflux
Reflux occurrence now and then is normal, but if it disturbs your life, visit an experienced Bariatric surgeon in Atlanta. Keep these tips in mind to help get rid of GERD and reduce reflux. Reflux doesn't have to rule your life!
