Nearly 60% of the adult population is experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at least once a year, and upwards of 30% of the adult population will encounter symptoms of GERD every single week.
Not only can this medical condition cause discomfort and pain, but if it is left untreated, GERD could lead to a number of serious health issues. It is vital to understand what must be done to prevent side effects and symptoms in the first place.
Identifying Preliminary Symptoms
One of the best methods for preventing more severe GERD side effects is catching basic symptoms in their earliest stages. By doing this, patients can quickly make the changes that they need in order to avoid issues with pain and discomfort. The most common issue that individuals are going to deal with is heartburn and pain around the esophagus. When this pain takes place after meals, after heavy lifting, when bending over, or while trying to go to sleep, it could indicate the beginning stages of GERD.
Eating a Healthy Diet
The number one preventative step for avoiding GERD is to begin altering the foods you eat, the amount you eat, and the manner in which you eat. Every single person will have different foods that could cause a flare up, but some of the most problematic foods include carbonated beverages, foods high in acidity or fat, alcohol, and foods or beverages containing high amounts of caffeine.
Making Health Adjustments
Along with a healthy diet, maintaining as healthy a lifestyle as possible will go a long way towards preventing GERD and its side effects. Doctors suggest that patients stay within a healthy weight range to prevent pressure on the esophagus, as well as create and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Cutting out habits such as smoking cigarettes will also help to put less pressure on the esophagus and throat. Patients should speak with their doctors to see if any medications they are taking, such as a prescription for osteoporosis or birth control, could be exacerbating the problem.
Looking at Night Habits
Around 75% of patients with GERD experience the symptoms at night, and this means that further lifestyle and diet changes must be made. It is suggested that patients do not eat within two hours of going to bed and also avoid late-night snacks as much as possible. After eating the final meal of the night, getting a few minutes of walking or very light exercise could also help the food to settle and protect the esophagus.
If symptoms are still taking place, people should attempt to either sleep on their left side or at a slightly inclined position. This will make it much harder for stomach acid to flow out of the stomach and up toward the esophagus.
