Making Lifestyle Changes to combat Acid Reflux Disease

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is commonly known as acid reflux disease. Acid reflux disease is caused when stomach acid and food are located in the esophagus, rather in the stomach. The primary culprit of this disease is the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a strong rim of muscles between the stomach and esophagus, intended to push the materials from the esophagus into the stomach, and keep the materials in the stomach. When the lower esophageal sphincter is either weak or "slow," acid reflux symptoms occur. This can be extremely painful, as one might imagine. Stomach acid is very strong, and to have the acid located in a part of the body that is not equipped for the acidity, if left untreated can cause significant damage to the esophagus. While there are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications available to acid reflux disease sufferers, physicians additionally recommend lifestyle changes. Some examples of suggested lifestyle changes are as follows.

Weight Loss

Although the reasons are unknown, those who are overweight or obese have a higher rate of acid reflux disease. It is known that even a ten percent decrease in weight can alleviate symptoms.

Abstention from Smoking and Drinking

It is believed that nicotine, a drug contained in cigarette smoke, weakens the esophageal sphincter. This can only increase, or even cause, the severity of the acid reflux disease symptoms. When alcoholic beverages are consumed, more stomach acid is produced, along with the thought that it might also weaken the esophageal sphincter as well. The combination of the two side effects can significantly increase acid reflux symptoms.

Staying Upright for at Least 45 Minutes after a Meal

It is also recommended to stay upright for at least 45 minutes after a meal, if one suffers from acid reflux disease. To digest food entering the stomach, more acid is produced. If one was to lie down, it facilitates the movement of the acid and food to reenter the esophagus. If one remains upright, there is more of a chance for gravity to attempt to play a part in keeping the acid and food down in the stomach.

Eat Several Small Meals a Day Instead of Three Big Ones

By eating many smaller meals a day, rather than three moderate to large meals, decreases the amount of acid in the stomach, needed to digest the food. This leads to less acid that might potentially plague the esophagus.

Avoidance of Clothing that is Tight around the Waist

Clothing that is tight around the waist can affect the esophageal sphincter. Due to the affect on the sphincter, it may be easier for the acid and food to travel back into the esophagus.

Avoidance of Fast Foods

Fatty, high caloric foods actually increase the amount of acid in the stomach, in order to digest the food. More stomach acid can result in an increase of painful acid reflux disease symptoms.

Taking Medications as Prescribed

As with any medication, it is preferred to take any acid reflux disease medications exactly as prescribed. The medication(s) are prescribed to help the symptoms, and if there is an absence of medication, symptoms will increase. It is recommended to speak to a physician before discontinuing any medications.

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