Do you often feel a burning sensation emerging from your throat and moving right upto your heart after that hearty meal?
Most us have experienced this kind of heartburn at one point or the other in our lives, haven’t we? Truth be told, this is one of the most common gastro intestinal diseases that plague us. GERD refers to gastro esophageal reflex disease. This occurs when the digestive acids in our stomach, most often a dilute form of hydrochloric acid, rises up in the esophagus. This may erode the lining of the esophagus and may cause severe discomfort in those suffering from it.
GERD is so common, that even the celebs aren’t immune to it. Singer Ashlee Simpson used to suffer from acid reflux and consequent sore throats which were taking a toll on her career. Some dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes helped her come around.
Did you know these about GERD?
- One of the major symptoms of GERD is a burning or stinging sensation in the area between your throat and stomach. You might even have difficulty in swallowing, a sore throat, dry coughs or a feeling that there’s something stuck in your throat.
- GERD is mainly a result of frequent acid refluxes; these are caused when the sphincter that blocks the opening to the esophagus fails to close or open properly.
- People who are chain smokers or suffer from obesity might be victims of GERD. Similarly, the chances of GERD significantly increase with pregnancy.
- If you have been experiencing even one of the symptoms mentioned above with heartburn frequently, it’s high time you consulted a physician. Diagnosis, in this case, isn’t very complicated and just requires the physician to monitor certain symptoms.
- Treatment for GERD isn’t all that complicated either. In most cases, GERD can be treated with over the counter medication. These medicines are meant to neutralize the effect of the acid in your stomach; that prevents the stomach content or the excess digestive juices from rising up in your food pipe.
How can you prevent GERD without medications?
- If you’re not into medication already, why don’t you try losing weight? Obesity is one of the leading causes of GERD and drastically losing weight could help you get your life back on track.
- Avoid all food items that could cause acid reflux. These would include spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, mint, onions, dairy products in some cases, acidic foods like tomato, carbonated beverages and so on.
- Eat small meals at regular intervals. Dieticians and nutrition experts around the world claim that eating small portions every two hours would not only help you lose weight but would also reduce risks of acid reflux.
- Elevating the head of your bed by approximately six to eight inches could prevent acid from rising up in the esophagus.
Before you opt for regular medication, try these easier remedies first as they are free of side effects and would help you better in the longer run!
