GERD or acid reflux is a problem that affects millions of Americans. Houston is hot with hectic urban life and local food culture is a potential added problem. Minor everyday activities can be the cause of burning pains, particularly during the night. Here, we are going to discuss the five common mistakes that aggravate the issue of acid reflux. We will also provide acid reflux lifestyle pieces of advice by a Houston doctor Dr. Bharat Pothuri. Our goal? To provide you with simple, doctor (gastroenterologist) tested tips to alleviate reflux and feel better as soon as possible.
Introducing Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a gastroenterologist board certified in Houston. He serves reflux patients in Montrose to West University. He says that heartburns may be reduced by 70 percent through changing easy habits. Want to know how your habits influence the symptoms of acid reflux? Let's dive in.
It is enjoyable until the burn kicks in eating a large plate of spicy fajitas at midnight but research demonstrates that lying down shortly after dinner makes stomach acid liquids flow back into the esophagus. These are some of the habits that aggravate acid reflux at night.
Dr. Pothuri says that it takes at least two or three hours to clear your stomach. The late meals cause acid to be sitting against the valve which closes the esophagus.
Some of the foods are known to weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Acid flows upwards when LES relaxes improperly. Some of the major eating habits that contribute to acid reflux are:
When going out to eat in Houston, Dr. Pothuri suggests that you pick the milder choices. Fish grilled, or chicken baked, may be equally good without being burned.
Sitting on the couch or bending over your desk may squeeze your belly. This strain forces acid upwards, which burns the heart. The bad sitting position and acid reflux relationship are close your spine is directly related to your stomach.
To make the LES work, it is recommended that you keep your torso straight by WebMD. Some basic stretch or ergonomic seat in your Houston home or office can go a long way says Dr. Pothuri.
Stress is not just a way to annoy your brain it increases stomach acid. Cortisol is released in your body when you worry. At that type of hormone can slow down the digestion and weaken the LES. This is the element in which stress leads to acid reflux.
Dr. Pothuri insists that busy Texans have to balance work, family and traffic, which causes them stress. High-anxiety patients have more reflux.
Tobacco, liquor, and caffeine all weaken the LES. They also cause irritation of the stomach lining. The combination of these substances forms habitual commonalities which aggravate acid reflux.
According to the reports by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), severe GERD is twice as likely in people who smoke. Wine and beer in particular can also extend the acid clearance.
| Habit | Makes Reflux Worse | Helping to Reduce Reflux |
| Meal Timing | Dinner later than 8 p.m | Dinner earlier than 7 p. m. small portions |
| Trigger Foods | Fried, spicy, citrus, soda | Grilled, baked, non-acidic, water |
| Posture | Slouching, hunching | Straight, ergonomic seat |
| Stress Management | High cortisol, shallow breathing | Deep breathing, meditation breaks |
| Smoking & Alcohol | Cigarettes, nightly cocktails | Stop smoking, limit drinks, decaf |
It is very important that there is consistency, says Dr. Pothuri. “Blend them into your Houston lifestyle be it picking up tacos in the Heights or sitting at your downtown office.
The acid reflux does not need to run your life. You can reduce heartburn and increase comfort by modifying such basic habits as the time of eating, posture, stress levels, and the use of substances. The symptoms will disappear if you follow these tips that are approved by gastroenterologists and tested by a doctor of Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri. To get personal advice, make a consult appointment in Houston or go to Gastrodoxs to get more ideas on how to live.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Examples of the common culprits are fatty foods, spicy food, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
Six to nine hours should be the goal. That allows your stomach to empty out.
Yes. Slouching causes the pressure in the abdomen to be high and may push the acid into the esophagus.
Stress activates cortisol which slows down digestion and dilates esophagus valve.
The lining can be soothed using non-citrus herbal teas (chamomile) as well as still water.
There is no need to use soft pillows alone, use sturdy wooden blocks or an adjustable bed wedge.
Yes. Smoking impairs the LES and slows down the acid clearance. Quitting lowers reflux risk.
A 5-10 percent weight loss is simply enough to lower the rates of heartburn.
In the short term, the processes are aided with antacids and H2 blockers. In case of chronic GERD, a gastroenterologist should be consulted.
The most current research may be found at the NIH GERD overview or at the Mayo Clinic acid reflux guide.
