GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when food returns to the esophagus from the stomach. This may happen because of inappropriate opening of the esophageal sphincter that connects the esophagus with the stomach. The stomach acid re-enters the throat, giving the GERD sufferer a burning feeling and uncomfortable experience in the consumption of food.
Step 1
Do not wear tight clothing. Wearing tight clothes can trigger GERD. Any pressure around the stomach can cause the return of partially digested food from the stomach to the esophagus. Wearing loose-fitting clothing around the stomach will help stop GERD symptoms of burning in the throat and indigestion.
Step 2
Stop smoking cigarettes. Smoking cessation will also help prevent GERD from occurring. Smoking irritates the stomach as well as the esophagus, which can cause the reflux to occur or to become worse in severity. Pain of the stomach and esophagus can occur because of cigarette smoking.
Step 3
Lose weight. Losing weight can decrease the pressure around the stomach and stop GERD. GERD can occur because of build up of pressure that triggers the valve to the esophagus to open.
Step 4
Sit down and keep your head up for three to four hours after eating, rather than going to bed. Sitting up will aid in the digestion of food and can prevent reflux of food particles from occurring. Lying down allows easier flow of stomach contents including acid to re-enter the esophagus. Sitting allows gravity to keep stomach contents out of the esophagus.
Step 5
Place the head of your bed on blocks. This will help in the digestion of food and prevent GERD from occurring. This can help keep food in its proper place through gravity.
Step 6
Eat small meals throughout the day, rather than less frequent big meals. This will help to decrease the acid in the stomach from returning to the throat. It also helps the stomach to digest the food more quickly.
Step 7
Use medications such as antacids and proton-pump inhibitors. These over-the-counter, nonprescription drugs can help control acid reflux. Antacids combine with the acid in the stomach to lessen its acidity. Proton-pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole, omeprazole and esomeprazole, decrease the amount of acid being formed within the stomach. Both of these medicines will cause the GERD sufferer to feel fewer and less severe symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Antacids
- Proton-pump inhibitors
