8 Tips To Control Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is more than just acid reflux or heartburn. While all of us at some point in our lives have experienced acid reflux (stomach acid flowing up the esophagus), people who live with GERD have weakened esophagus sphincter and report frequent mild to severe acid reflux, heartburn and chest pain.

Those of you reading, who live with GERD or have a loved one who does, may find some comfort in knowing that FindMeCure’s database comes up with 120 clinical trials for GERD worldwide and it’s always possible that one of them holds the answer.  Let’s take a look at some life hacks for relieving GERD symptoms.

Standing straight for up to three hours after a meal

For mild to moderate symptoms sitting or standing straight for up to three hours after a meal can help avoid acid reflux. And since obesity is among the contributing factors for the disease, losing some weight by eating more lightly can lead to greater improvement than you imagine right now.

Say “no” to fried foods

And while we’re on the topic of weight loss, saying “no” to fatty or fried foods can improve your symptoms as well as contribute to weight loss. Also, you might want to consider cutting out alcohol and/or coffee but if all these dietary restrictions sound too much all at once, start by simply reducing the size of your meals and opting out of late night snacks.

Quit smoking

Smoking is among the factors that aggravate acid reflux and together with obesity it’s one of the preventable risks for many other diseases. If you’re already considering giving up this bad habit anyway, we have an article just for you (link to article), giving some tips and tricks you haven’t heard before (we promise).

Safe sun exposure

As far as lifestyle changes go, you might be surprised to know that safe sun exposure can help with your acid reflux by supplying you with vitamin D – something you’re probably missing if you live in a big city. So make time in your day for sunbathing, perhaps as part of your morning ritual, because vitamin D aids the production of more than 200 antimicrobial peptides that can be your ally in fighting gastric irregularities.

Have an Aloe Vera juice

Aloe Vera juice, while it does not prevent the acid reflux, helps fight inflammation. It has a soothing effect on your irritated esophageal tract and in this way it reduces some of the effects of the frequent stomach acid exposure. To reap the benefits, drink Aloe juice at least two times a day, but keep in mind that it might have a laxative effect… though some companies take that component out of their products, so read labels and if uncertain – ask.

More oils

Remember what we said about fatty foods? Well, not all fats are bad fats. Swap butter or other oils for cold-pressed coconut oil and you can still enjoy some of your favorite foods but with all the nutritional benefits. Coconut oil kills some of the bad bacteria in your stomach, aids the body in the production of chloride (which balances stomach acids) and it relieves some of the damage done to the esophagus by the acid it’s constantly exposed to.

Calcium

Calcium is good not just for your bones. However, instead of taking supplements and drinking milk by the carton, try including more easily digested foods in your diet like fresh sardines, salmon, plain yogurt and if you’re vegan or allergic to dairy – kale.

Ginger

Ginger is another good idea as it helps maintain the body’s acidity in the norm and it has some anti-inflammatory effects as well. You can add ginger to whatever you like, even make tea out of ginger root, so no need for suggestions here.

If at the end of the day nothing seems to be working out for you or you experience very severe symptoms, you can join one of the 120 clinical trials in the FindMeCure’s database. Or at least know that it’s always an option and the medical advancements on the way can turn out to be your long-awaited solution.

Article by Nelly Katsarova