When the lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly, either because it is altered in some way or has excessive relaxation, it causes unpleasant gastroesophageal reflux that, if occurs frequently, it can lead us to suffer from a condition known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. In these cases, it is necessary to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux
The characteristic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are:
Burning or acid regurgitation: also called heartburn, is experienced behind the sternum, and occurs when the mucosa of the esophagus is irritated by the gastric contents that pass into it. When gastric fluid rises, it causes acid regurgitation in the chest that can even reach the mouth.
Causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease
In many cases, heartburn caused by reflux can be a consequence of our lifestyle and eating habits. Tobacco and alcohol are always harmful to health and can cause reflux. In the same way, some types of food can also have negative effects, such as those with a high fat content, coffee, mint, pepper, spices in general and chocolate..
There is a high degree of relationship between gastric reflux and hiatal hernia, although not all people who suffer from the latter suffer from reflux. On the other hand, pregnancy, obesity or any situation that increases abdominal pressure can cause the appearance of this problem.
Dietary hygienic measures to relieve gastric reflux
In most cases, a change in daily habits and diet will be enough to reduce or eliminate discomfort. These are some tips to prevent and/or eliminate gastric reflux:
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- Balanced and varied diet, with a high content of vegetable fiber, vegetables and fruit.
Reduce the consumption of coffee, even decaffeinated, and replace it with infusions such as chamomile or lemon balm.
Reduce foods high in fat, spices, spicy, menthol, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and chocolate.
Avoid binge eating and try to go from eating 3 times a day to 5, always in moderation and trying to eat slowly and chew your food well.
Give preference to boiled or cooked foods over fried ones.
Avoid excessively hot or cold foods.
Eat dinner at least two hours before going to bed and raise the head of the bed about 10 cm.
Wear loose clothing that doesn’t squeeze you, especially after eating
Do not lie down after eating. If you want to take a nap, do it in a comfortable chair.
If you are a nervous person or under great stress, try to practice sports for at least 40 minutes a day (it will also help you lose weight), or relaxation therapies such as meditation or yoga.
Quit tobacco if you are a smoker, or at least try to minimize your consumption.
If, even after changing your habits, you still have heartburn problems caused by gastric reflux, ask your pharmacy, as there are various medicines to relieve heartburn, one of them is Gaviscon Forte, which relieves heartburn caused by gastric reflux. reflux effectively preventing acids from going up into the esophagus. This medication is indicated in adults and children over 12 years of ag.
Read the instructions for this medication and consult the pharmacist. Sponsored by Gaviscon. Gaviscon is a medicine of Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare, S.A.