Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

Tips To Help Manage The Symptoms Of GERD

by Freddie Cox

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common medical issue that affects millions of people. When a person has GERD, they may experience frequent heartburn, pain in the throat from regurgitation of stomach acid, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. If you have been diagnosed with GERD, your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend that you take over-the-counter medications that are designed to help with the symptoms of GERD. In addition to taking medication, there are other measures that can help. Use the following tips to help you manage the symptoms that you experience from GERD:

Learn What Foods and Beverages Trigger Your Symptoms

Everyone has different GERD triggers. Common triggers are alcohol, beverages that contain caffeine, foods high in fat, onions, garlic, and highly acidic foods, such as tomato-based sauces. When you begin experiencing GERD, it can be helpful to keep a food journal that tracks everything that you eat. This can help you identify the foods and beverages that cause GERD symptoms so you can avoid consuming them. Cutting out trigger foods and drinks can go a long way in bringing you relief.

Lose Weight, If Needed

Being overweight can cause a variety of health issues, including bad GERD symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable. This is because carrying extra weight puts stress on your abdomen, which can result in stomach acid being pushed up into your esophagus and throat. If you are considered overweight for your height and body type and are also suffering from GERD, losing weight can be quite helpful. Many people notice a drastic difference in their GERD symptoms after getting to a healthy weight.

Keep Your Head Elevated

Many people who have GERD tend to find that their worst symptoms occur in the evening when they are trying to go to bed. It can be very difficult to get a good night of rest when your body is not able to stay asleep due to the uncomfortable or painful symptoms associated with GERD. An easy solution to nighttime GERD is to keep your head elevated. If you are planning on buying a new mattress soon, you may want to consider buying an adjustable mattress so you can keep the upper part of your body elevated while falling asleep. You can also purchase a wedge to place between your mattress and box spring to keep the head of your bed elevated so it is easier to get to sleep.


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About Me

Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

Ever since I was a young girl, I have had bad asthma and allergies. I had to stay in the hospital several times when I was in elementary school just to help get my asthma under control and it seemed like I was trying medication after medication with little success. I don't remember all of my childhood health details, since I was so young, but my mother has "filled in the blanks" for me. Thanks to modern medicine and a natural remedy, my health conditions are currently under control and have been for a few years now. I am very grateful for my good health, and I want to "pay it back" to others by creating a blog where I will post my health tips. I hope I can help you learn how to achieve good health!