If a sore throat, heartburn, and constant bad breath sound familiar, you might have a condition called GERD. GERD symptoms are uncomfortable, can prevent you from sleeping or enjoying food and have an overall negative effect on your daily life. Generally, GERD presents itself in people that have a closing defect in their lower esophageal sphincter- basically, the valve that prevents stomach acid from ascending towards your esophagus and oral cavity. The best way to evaluate and improve these painful symptoms is to be checked out by an expert, a Gastroenterologist in Delhi. But, what can you do at home to start improving your condition? If GERD is, in fact, your diagnosis, there’s plenty of lifestyle changes you can start applying today to feel better. While you wait for your Gastroenterologist appointment in Delhi, following these 10 tips can help improve your GERD symptoms:
Aim for small portion sizes
The larger a meal is the more it can stretch out your stomach, putting pressure on the esophageal sphincter. Since this sphincter is the valve-like structure preventing acid from traveling up towards your mouth, anything that affects can worsen the symptoms.
Instead, choose to eat smaller meals. This way acid can stay contained in its rightful place, within your stomach.
Avoid all food and drinks that act as irritants
Fatty and spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and carbonated drinks are a huge “NO” for patients struggling with GERD. Why? Well, all of these foods and beverages have been shown to worsen the disease’s symptoms. And it all comes down to the way they are digested.
Fatty foods, for example, take a long time to be broken down by your stomach. This means that they will remain in your stomach for large periods of time and trigger a higher production of stomach acid. This results in an upset stomach, with a relaxed esophageal sphincter and great amounts of acid. Basically, a recipe for disaster.
Carbonated beverages have another damaging side effect: burping. The gas contained in this drink escapes in the form of burps. The bad news is that as burps exit your body, they can allow acid to move up your esophagus as well, increasing your heartburn.
Read related- Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Everything You Need To Know
Adapt your bed to be on an incline
This tip is explained by the basic concept of gravity. By making sure your head is at least 6 inches above the rest of your body, you make it harder for acid from your stomach to travel up your esophagus, against the laws of physics. This is especially beneficial for those struggling to fall asleep due to heartburn.
Quit Substances That Affect Your Esophageal Sphincter
Nicotine and certain medications are known to cause relaxation in the lower esophageal sphincter. This opens up a doorway for stomach acid to travel upwards, causing pain and damage. Quitting smoking and asking your doctor for medication alternatives can have a major effect on the symptoms you experience on the daily.
Battling GERD? Gastroenterologists In Delhi Can Help
At Meddo, we have an amazing network of highly-experienced Gastroenterologists in Gurgaon and Delhi that can help you manage GERD and any other digestive conditions. Book an appointment today and make your way to better health! You can also get more information by contacting us at 8752005200 or emailing us at contact@meddo.in.
