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Do you feel a burning sensation rising from your stomach to your chest after a big lunch or a late-night snack? You could have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other common symptoms are a sour taste in the back of your throat or a dry, chronic cough.
Some one in five people (20%) in the United States struggles with GERD. However, many dismiss its symptoms as something they ate or increased stress, not realizing they have an ongoing condition that can — and should — be managed.
Left untreated, GERD can cause more severe complications like esophageal ulcers, strictures, or even Barrett’s esophagus, which could lead to cancer. Dr. Jack Husney, a board-certified gastroenterologist in Brooklyn, New York, has helped countless patients find relief from GERD — often through simple lifestyle changes.
And when lifestyle changes aren’t enough, Dr. Husney recommends more advanced treatments, such as prescription medications, endoscopic therapies, or surgery. Here, he discusses the ins and outs of GERD, including how you can manage its symptoms.
Understanding GERD
GERD is a condition where stomach acid consistently backflows into your esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that should typically close tightly after food passes into your stomach, doesn’t work as it should, allowing acid to escape.
Over time, the repeated presence of stomach acid in your esophagus can cause symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, a chronic cough, a persistent sore throat, or hoarseness.
While the average person may experience these symptoms occasionally, you may experience them daily with GERD. And in severe cases, you could also struggle with nausea, weight loss, or difficulty eating.
Control GERD with these lifestyle changes
Most mild to moderate cases of GERD can be managed by making just a few lifestyle changes. Here are some tried-and-trusted strategies to help you reduce symptom flare-ups.
1. Watch what you eat
Certain foods are known to trigger GERD symptoms. While each person’s triggers may be a bit different, common culprits include:
- Spicy foods, which can irritate the esophagus
- Citrus fruits and tomatoes, which are highly acidic
- Fatty or fried foods, which can slow digestion
- Chocolate and caffeine, which relax the lower esophageal sphincter
- Alcohol, which can weaken the esophageal sphincter
It’s important to avoid specific foods and pay attention to the portion sizes of the foods you can eat. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can lighten the load on your digestive system and reduce your chance of experiencing reflux symptoms.
2. Time your meals
Eating too close to bedtime is a sure way to trigger GERD symptoms. Lying down with a full stomach allows stomach acid to flow more easily into your esophagus. Eat your last meal at least three hours before bed to give your body ample time to digest.
3. Elevate your head while sleeping
If you struggle with nighttime reflux, elevating your head in bed can help. Propping yourself up can prevent acid from flowing back into your esophagus while you sleep. Sleeping on your left side may also help reduce reflux, since the position keeps your stomach below the esophagus.
4. Manage your weight
Extra weight can increase the pressure on your stomach and make reflux more likely. Even losing just a little weight can significantly reduce your GERD symptoms.
5. Stay active, but time your exercise
Exercise is vital for your health, but working out too soon after eating can also trigger GERD symptoms. Avoid intense workouts right after mealtime, and if you have to, opt for simpler activities like walking, which can aid digestion. Dr. Husney suggests waiting at least one to two hours after eating before vigorous physical activity.
Seek expert care for persistent GERD
While these lifestyle changes can make a huge difference, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Husney if you’re struggling to manage GERD on your own.
As an experienced GERD specialist, he can develop a treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and any medical treatment that may be necessary. Call or click online to schedule a visit with Dr. Husney in our Brooklyn, New York, office today.