GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common problem that many in Frisco, Texas, deal with daily. While medications are available to treat the symptoms, they can often have unpleasant side effects. A Frisco GERD specialist will guide you on some lifestyle adjustments you can make to help reduce GERD symptoms without medication.
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Manage Your Weight Well
People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from GERD symptoms. This is because excess weight can put pressure on the stomach, which can cause the acid to reflux up into the esophagus. If you are struggling with your weight, make sure to talk to your doctor about how you can manage it healthily.
You can create a workout schedule to help you lose weight and manage your GERD symptoms. Working out will help reduce the pressure on your stomach, and it will also help improve your overall health. Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new workout routine, and be sure to listen to your body so that you don’t push yourself too hard.
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Avoid Trigger Foods
Certain foods can trigger GERD symptoms. These include acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits and fatty and fried foods. If you know that certain foods cause your GERD to flare up, try to avoid them as much as possible.
The foods to avoid when having acid reflux are acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits and fatty and fried foods. Heavy meals typically take time to process, so they stay in the stomach for more extended periods. This can increase the risk of acid reflux. Try to avoid fried and fatty foods whenever possible.
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Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can also contribute to GERD symptoms. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are experiencing reflux.
Hydration is an integral part of avoiding acid reflux. It reduces the severity of symptoms and minimizes the production of stomach acids, which in turn helps reduce acid reflux.
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Quit Smoking
Smoking can also aggravate GERD symptoms. If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health overall – and it will also help reduce your GERD symptoms.
Smoking can aggravate GERD symptoms because it increases the production of stomach acid. It can also damage the esophagus lining, making it more susceptible to acid reflux. Additionally, smoking slows down the healing process, prolonging the condition.
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Avoid Sleeping Right Away After Eating
It is best to wait a few hours after eating before going to bed. This will help reduce the chances of acid reflux occurring while sleeping.
It can be helpful to find something to keep you busy for a while before heading to bed. This can help take your mind off of the discomfort of GERD symptoms and make it easier to fall asleep. Some ideas include reading, spending time on the internet, or watching TV.
GERD is a common disorder that many people suffer from daily. Luckily, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the symptoms without medication. These adjustments include managing your weight well, avoiding trigger foods and smoking, drinking lots of water throughout the day, and staying away from fatty meals before bedtime.