Your stomach is full of acid that helps break down food and protects the GI tract from infections.Health problems can be caused by excess stomach acid.heartburn is the most common symptom.When stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, it's called gastroesophageal reflux.GERD is a disease that can damage the throat and esophagus.The best way to manage these problems is to reduce stomach acid.
Step 1: If needed, see a doctor.
If you don't see a change in symptoms after making lifestyle changes, it's time to see the doctor.Long-term gysy can cause injury and can lead to other health problems.Inflammation and injury can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.If lifestyle changes don't fix your stomach acid issues, you should seek medical treatment.
Step 2: Ask your doctor if you need to take medication.
According to severity of symptoms, medical treatment is broken down.OTC drugs are available.You should still talk to your doctor about your treatment regimen.If he or she can write a prescription for an OTC medication, you might be able to get it covered by insurance.Carefully follow the instructions for each drug to prevent serious side effects.If your symptoms occur once a week or less, you should take antacids as needed.Relief lasts for about an hour.Surface agents promote healing and protect the stomach and esophageal lining.Zantac andPepcid can be taken to decrease acid secretion.If you have 2 or more episodes per week, you should take a proton pump blocker.The standard dose is one pill per day for 8 weeks.Side effects include infections, osteoporosis, and interactions with other drugs.
Step 3: Discuss the possibility of an endoscopy.
Doctors use a camera on a flexible tube to look at the throat, esophagus, and stomach in a screening upper endoscopy.During the procedure, they might check for inflammation, H. pylori, and rule out cancer.Discuss the symptoms with your doctor.
Step 4: If your doctor recommends surgery, you should be open to it.
If the symptoms don't respond to any medication, you may need surgery.One surgical approach is to sew the upper part of the stomach around the esophageal opening.A second approach wraps a string of beads around the point where the stomach meets the esophagus.The lower esophagus expands when you swallow so food can get through.Young people who will suffer from life-long gdr symptoms can consider surgery.
Step 5: Try natural remedies.
There isn't much research on natural remedies for acid reflux.Though these remedies aren't fully accepted by the medical or scientific communities, they may help relieve symptoms.
Step 6: Natural therapies should not be avoided.
Studies show that peppermint oil makes acid reflux worse.Milk can relieve symptoms.It's true that milk will reduce stomach acid for a short time, but it will cause more acid production in the long run.
Step 7: Your salivation should be increased.
Increased salivation can counteract stomach acid.You can increase salivation by chewing gum.They should be sugar-free to prevent high calories.
Step 8: If you want to, consider getting acupuncture.
It might look scary, but studies have shown that it can improve symptoms.The mechanism at play isn't fully understood.
Step 9: A balanced, healthy diet is what you should eat.
A balanced diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat/fat free dairy.It also includes poultry, fish, and beans.Saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars should not be part of your diet.There are many resources available to learn how to make a balanced diet.
Step 10: Maintaining a healthy body mass index is important.
A healthy weight is defined by the body mass index.The weight range is determined by the height and sex of the person.A normal body mass index is between 18 and 24.From 25.0-29.9 are overweight, and above 30.0 are obese.You can use a calculator to find out your weight.You can bring your body mass index into the "normal" range by adjusting your diet and exercising.
Step 11: If you want to lose weight, you have to count calories.
You can check nutrition labels for calories to manage your weight.Every single day, make sure you stay within the recommended calories for your diet.You can calculate your daily calories needs by taking your weight and dividing it by 10.To maintain your weight, you should eat 1800 calories a day.Your gender, age, and daily activity level can affect this number.The calor calculator can be used for a more accurate number.One pound per week is the best rate to lose weight.Reduce your daily intake by 500 calories if you have a pound of fat.500 calories x 7 days/week equates to 3500 calories/7 days.You can use a website or phone app to keep track of calories.
Step 12: Do not eat large portions.
Take small, thoroughly chewed bites for efficient digestion.It will take more time for your stomach to break down food if you have large, poorly chewed bites.As a result, you'll eat more than you should.Eating quickly can cause you to swallow too much air.It can take up to 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain you are full.People who eat quickly tend to over eat.
Step 13: It's a good idea to avoid foods that make the symptoms worse.
There are no specific foods that have been proven to cure GERD.It's possible to avoid foods that have been shown to make it worse.
Step 14: It's a good idea to maintain a regular exercise schedule.
Moderate activity for at least 30 minutes per day is recommended by the American Heart Association.You can combine 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity 3 days a week with moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening.Something is always better than nothing if it sounds more than you can manage.Get as much exercise as you can.It's better to go for a walk than to sit on the couch.The more calories you burn, the more you can eat.Tracking calories helps you keep track of how much you can eat on a day-to-day basis.
Step 15: It is a good idea to avoid straining or exercising vigorously after eating.
Your stomach can take up to 3 hours to digest and empty.If you want to avoid reflux, eat smaller meals and let most of the time pass.
Step 16: Don't lie down after eating.
Laying down after a meal can make symptoms worse.After a meal, lie down or sleep for 2 hours.Lowering the head of your bed may help you sleep better.
Step 17: Bad habits can make symptoms worse.
You should quit smoking or using other tobacco products as soon as possible.You can either cut alcohol out of your diet or cut back on it.Lying down after eating is a bad idea.Try sleeping with your head elevated by pillows.