Five Habits That Can exacerbate GERD

Woman has a pizza on the table and her hands on her glowing red chest.

Heartburn, chest discomfort, and acid regurgitation are persistent symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a disorder in which stomach acid refluxes back into the oesophagus. According to PRIVATE GP LONDON some people only get acid reflux once in a while, GERD is characterised by recurrent episodes that disrupt daily living. GERD can be greatly impacted by lifestyle choices, and some behaviour may exacerbate its symptoms. Here are five typical behaviours that can make GERD worse and how to properly handle them.

Consuming too much food:

Overeating, particularly large or high-fat meals, can put stress on the stomach and raise the pressure on the muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which prevents stomach acid from refluxing into the oesophagus. Acid reflux is caused by the stomach contents more readily escaping into the oesophagus when the LES weakens or becomes overloaded. Try eating smaller, more balanced meals throughout the day rather than three big ones to reduce this. Portion control facilitates the LES’s improved performance by reducing pressure on it.

Eating Before Sleep:

The symptoms of GERD can intensify if you eat large meals or snacks late at night. Because gravity no longer keeps food and acid in the stomach, lying down after eating facilitates the flow of stomach acid back into the oesophagus. This can result in reflux at night, which can cause sleep disturbances and leave an acidic aftertaste when you wake up. Meals should ideally be completed two to three hours prior to bedtime. This lessens the chance of reflux and gives time for digestion.

Eating and Drinking Trigger Foods:

It is known that some meals and drinks might cause GERD symptoms by relaxing the LES or irritating the lining of the oesophagus. Typical offenders include:

Coffee, tea, and some drinks contain caffeine.
Hot dishes
Acidic foods (such as citrus fruits and tomatoes)
Peppermint and chocolate
Alcohol
These products raise the risk of acid reflux by irritating the oesophagus or relaxing the LES. By recognising and avoiding your particular trigger foods, you can manage your GERD symptoms. To track which foods exacerbate your symptoms and cut them out of your diet, try maintaining a food journal.

Wearing Tight Clothes:

Clothing that is too tight, particularly around the belly, can increase stomach pressure and force acid up into the oesophagus. For those who frequently experience acid reflux, this is very difficult. Shape wear, high-waist pants, and tight belts can all make GERD symptoms worse.

Smoking:

Because smoking weakens the LES and increases the production of stomach acid, it is a major contributor to the symptoms of GERD. Additionally, cigarettes’ nicotine lowers saliva production, which typically balances stomach acid. This confluence of variables raises the risk of irritation and inflammation and facilitates the passage of acid into the oesophagus. One of the best strategies to lessen GERD symptoms and enhance general health is to stop smoking.

Proactive measures to better treat GERD include avoiding trigger foods, avoiding overeating, avoiding eating right before bed, dressing comfortably, and stopping smoking. For individualised guidance and potential treatment choices, visit PRIVATE CLINIC LONDON