You may
still live life to the fullest even if you have been diagnosed with
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It typically takes a mix of medication
and lifestyle modifications to control your symptoms.
It's crucial to realize that you must continue adhere to your treatment plan even though there are many things you may do to ease your symptoms or perhaps make you forget they are even there. However, if you treat GERD more holistically, you might experience the relief you need. The reasons of GERD are discussed below, along with several natural treatments that could help you feel better.
Causes of GERD
Heartburn,
acid regurgitation, and even trouble swallowing are all signs of the medical
disorder known as GERD. Compared to gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which
happens occasionally and doesn't always have symptoms, it is more dangerous.
Laxity
[weakening] at the base of the Oesophagus might result in GERD. Although the
terms heartburn and GERD are frequently used synonymously, they are not the
same. In fact, considering that GERD affects an estimated 18 percent of
Americans, your heartburn may possibly be GERD.
Although the
terms "heartburn" and "GERD" are frequently used
interchangeably, heartburn is a symptom that is typically described as a
burning sensation in the chest beneath the sternum and is frequently brought on
by certain foods, such as spicy food, acidic food, coffee, alcohol, or
behaviours.
It should come as no surprise that lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of treatment and prevention for GERD given that lifestyle factors are its most prevalent cause. It is important to note that some factors, such as being overweight or obese, pregnant, using certain drugs, or smoking, increase your risk of developing GERD.
***************Home Remedies for GERD*****************
It's crucial
to follow your treatment plan if you want to manage your GERD symptoms.
However, there are steps you may take to lessen symptoms and perhaps even
prevent them altogether.
Avoid Certain Foods
- Citrus fruit and their juices
- Tomato-based foods
- High-fat foods including fried foods
- Soda
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Spicy foods
- Onions
- Garlic
- Mint
- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverages
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Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Large,
calorie-dense meals are known to contribute to acid reflux, according to
studies. More specifically, one study found that the severity of a reflux
incident increases with meal caloric content.
Additionally,
you could notice that your symptoms get worse the longer you go without eating.
That's because acid reflux is worse while you're starving.
So, even
though it would seem that skipping meals would be preferable to eating
something, doing so may result in symptom flare-ups. Concentrate on eating five
or six small meals each day that each have between 300 and 400 calories.
Stick to Low-Fat Foods
In one
study, the impact of meals and foods high in fat on the prevalence of acid
reflux was examined. Researchers discovered that the reflux got worse the more
calories and fat there were in a meal.
Additionally, because higher fat foods take longer to digest, they are more likely to result in acid reflux. Choose low-fat versions of items like soups, sauces, dressings, dairy, and cheese. Choose items with less than 10% fat per serving by reading the labels.
Include Fiber-Rich Foods
Acid reflux is less likely to occur in those who eat foods that pass swiftly through the stomach and digestive system. For this reason, a diet high in fibre is crucial for the management and prevention of GERD.
In one study, the impact of a diet high in fibre on the occurrence of acid reflux and the strain on the esophageal sphincter was examined. After the study period, participants who took supplements containing 5 grammes of psyllium fibre daily reported less heartburn and reflux as well as a lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure.
For women,
consuming at least 25 grammes, and for men, 38 grammes, of fibre daily is
advised.
Pick
oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes. When increasing
your consumption of fibre, keep in mind to drink lots of water.
Elevate the Head of the Bed
Acid can
more easily go up your stomach and into your oesophagus while you are lying
flat on your back with a regular cushion. This can be avoided by elevating the
upper body using a wedge, cushion, or by raising the bed's head.
Consider sleeping on a wedge pillow or placing some books under the mattress at the top of the bed. You might also want to try out several sleeping positions to see which one suits you the best.
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Aloe Vera
When the leaves
of the succulent plant aloe vera are broken, a gel is revealed. When applied to
cuts and burns, the gel contains anti-inflammatory ingredients while also
providing comfort. For this reason, it is a key component of sunburn remedies.
Acid reflux
has traditionally been treated with aloe vera juice. Recent studies evaluated
the effectiveness of over-the-counter medicines with aloe vera juice in
treating acid reflux. According to research, aloe vera can safely and
effectively reduce GERD symptoms without causing any negative side effects.
Pick
purified and decolorized aloe vera juice if your doctor says it is safe for you
to consume. Start with 1 spoonful of the medication every day diluted in water.
Breathing Exercises
Daily
breathing exercises have been demonstrated to help reduce the symptoms of GERD.
The effect of the breathing exercises on lowering the strain on the esophageal
sphincter and improving the anti-regurgitation barrier is probably the
mechanism behind this.
Exercise your stomach or diaphragm for 5 to 10 minutes, three to four times daily. Put one hand over your chest and the other over your stomach to begin.
When the hand on your chest doesn't move but your stomach does, take a deep breath. Instead of the air entering your chest, see it entering deeper in your abdomen.
Stop Smoking
GERD improved by 44% in those who were able to stop smoking, and the frequency of reflux symptoms dramatically decreased. Additionally, those who successfully stopped smoking only saw an improvement in their health-related quality of life.
It is never
too late to stop smoking if you smoke. For individuals who are prepared to
start their journey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
provides assistance and resources.
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