About Gerd

by A Couse

Here is an article on Gerd. I hope you find the information useful!

One of the most important things you can do to protect your health is to become informed about the medications you take.

GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It is a chronic and/or severe stomach acid backup into the esophagus. Over a period of time, if not treated, can cause a permanent damage to the esophageal lining. This is called esophagitis and can result in difficulty in swallowing and even esophageal bleeding.

Self Help Tips:

Don’t eat real big meals. By doing so can increase the pressure on valves and force your stomach to work longer and harder, which means it has to produce a lot of acid.

Avoid food and beverages that seem to trigger heartburn. This list consists of the following: Coffee, chocolate, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits and juices, peppermint, tomatoes, hot peppers, mustard, alcohol, nuts, and fried foods.

Eat more slowly. This encourages more saliva production and helps to neutralize the stomach acids. When you eat a meal in a hurry, your stomach responds by producing extra digestive acid.

Do not lie down for atleast 2-3 hours after eating a meal. Also, try to elevate the head of your bed 6-8 eight inches to allow gravity to minimize reflux or stomach contents into the esophagus.

Overindulgence at meal times causes our digestive tract to work overtime. Moderation is the key.

Always consult with your physician, before taking any over the counter medications for heartburn, because some antacids may interact with your other medicines. If you experience heartburn regularly please consult with your physician. There are medications that your physician can prescribe to you and monitor your care.

Gerd Resources:

- Educational resources on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease for the general public, health care providers, and researchers.