If you’re sounding a little hoarse in the voice or having an uncomfortable feeling in your throat, it might be a cold, or you’ll be hit with the flu soon. However, there’s also one reason you’re feeling this way right now: GERD. This condition happens when the muscle that controls the passage between your stomach and esophagus isn’t controlled completely, leading to instances where it’s open.
Your stomach acid regurgitates upward towards your mouth. Of course, since this is stomach acid we’re talking about; it can give you inflammation in your throat, making it sore. Living with GERD can be as challenging as navigating through a treacherous maze without a map. The symptoms, such as heartburn and chest pain, can make everyday life feel like a constant battle. But fear not, for there are solutions that can help you conquer this affliction and regain control over your well-being.
In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of GERD, how it affects your life, and most importantly, practical strategies to cope with it. But before we give you tips on how to cope with GERD, let’s talk first about the condition.
What is GERD?
GERD, the notorious gastrointestinal reflux disorder, is like a rebellious wave crashing against the delicate shores of your digestive system. It’s a condition where your stomach acid, defying gravity’s laws, decides to venture upward, causing a torrent of uncomfortable symptoms.
While GERD primarily affects the esophagus, other conditions can impact different parts of the throat and mouth. Understanding the differences between oral gonorrhea vs strep throat when experiencing GERD-like symptoms can be crucial in getting the right treatment. While the symptoms may be similar, the underlying causes and treatments are entirely different and will affect how you cope with GERD.
Some symptoms of GERD include:
- Nausea
- Chest pains
- Stomach contents coming back up
- Pain while swallowing
- Heartburn
- Chronic hoarseness of the voice
If not treated, GERD can lead to more severe conditions. In terms of treatment, there are several methods to treat GERD, like surgery and medication. Usually, doctors would recommend proton pump inhibitors like Protonix.
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There are numerous ways to enhance your lifestyle and manage GERD without resorting to surgery. Consider the following methods:
Sleep On Your Left Side
This tip might sound arbitrary, but it does have good science backing this up. The reason why doing this is recommended is how our stomach anatomy works.
Our esophagus enters the right side of the stomach. That said, by sleeping on the left side, you’re effectively putting the opening of your esophagus upright, leading to an almost complete reduction of chances that you’ll experience GERD during the night.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Certain foods can also trigger GERD. For some people, it can be acidic and citrus fruits like pineapple.
For others, it can even be alcohol, and as we all know, many people drink, especially at night, which is also a common cause of GERD. That said, if you don’t know your trigger foods just yet, it might be helpful to keep a journal and note the foods you eat throughout the day.
If you feel the symptoms of GERD after eating a specific food, you may have found your trigger.
Eat Slowly, and Don’t Overeat
One of the most common reasons for GERD is a person’s eating habits. When your stomach is filled with a substantial quantity of food, the probability of inadequate control over the opening in your esophagus rises.
Your likelihood of experiencing acid reflux significantly increases when these situations occur. Rapid eating also contributes to this condition. Consuming a significant amount of poorly chewed food slows down the digestive process, causing further elevation in acid reflux.
If you’re prone to getting symptoms of GERD after eating, what you can do instead is to eat slowly and sparsely. Instead of getting big meals during the three meals of the day, you can divide your meals into smaller ones and eat more frequently.
Avoid Eating Late
If we assume a horizontal position, there is a possibility of developing acid reflux, particularly if we exhibit symptoms associated with GERD. However, these incidents are less likely to occur when our bodies have full control over the opening of the esophagus.
Also, if your digestive system is idle, there’s no chance for you to get acid reflux because there’s currently no acid in your stomach. This changes when you go to sleep after a meal. That said, one thing to decrease your chances of getting acid reflux in your sleep is to eat very early in the evening. It might be a simple thing, but it’s very effective.
Avoid Carbonated Beverages
Carbonation causes an increase in burping, resulting in the involuntary opening of the esophagus. Frequent burping can potentially reduce the likelihood of the esophageal opening fully closing.
If you experience this situation, your likelihood of experiencing acid reflux increases, particularly if you consume carbonated drinks before going to bed. Instead of opting for soda or beer, you can choose to drink water as an alternative in order to reduce your risk of developing acid reflux. This advice can also be extended to other beverages, such as coffee.
Final Words
Living with GERD can be a daunting challenge, but by implementing a few practical strategies, you can regain control over your well-being. Remember, navigating through the maze of GERD is like embarking on a treacherous journey without a map. However, armed with the right knowledge and tips, you can conquer this affliction. Here’s a quick recap of the strategies to cope with GERD:
- Sleep on your left side: This simple position can help keep the opening of your esophagus upright, reducing the chances of experiencing GERD during the night.
- Avoid trigger foods: Keep a food journal to identify foods that may trigger your symptoms. It could be acidic fruits, alcohol, or even certain spices. Once you identify your trigger foods, avoid them to alleviate GERD symptoms.
- Eat slowly and don’t overeat: Poor eating habits contribute to GERD. Take your time to eat, chew your food thoroughly, and opt for smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones. This helps prevent excess pressure on your esophagus and reduces the likelihood of acid reflux.
- Avoid eating late: Eating close to bedtime can increase the risk of acid reflux while lying down. To minimize this risk, try to finish your evening meal several hours before going to sleep.
- Avoid carbonated beverages: Carbonated drinks can cause excessive burping, which can weaken the closure of the esophagus. Opt for water or other non-carbonated alternatives to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can better manage GERD symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember, while these tips can provide relief, it’s important to consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Don’t let GERD hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Take charge, implement these coping strategies, and reclaim your well-being.
