The medicines are effective, but in most of the cases, lifestyle change is the strongest tool that can be used to cure GERD over the long term. Reflux flare-ups may be minimized dramatically by modifying your daily routine including what you eat and how you sleep.
The following are the steps to follow when creating a lifestyle that is friendly to GERD.
Stress does not directly relate to GERD but may increase the symptoms. Effective strategies:
Lifestyle changes help alleviate the symptoms, but when coupled with prescription drugs, they guarantee a more effective control in the long run and the avoidance of complications.
GERD does not need to rule your life. You can become the boss of reflux, and become healthier, happier, by taking small consistent steps, such as eating wiser, stress less, and changing sleep behaviour.
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.
Yes, lifestyle changes such as dietary, weight control, and trigger avoidance in many individuals bring down the symptoms to a considerable level.
Sleeping on your left side with your head raised will help in alleviating the occurrences of acid reflux at night.
Stomach-related issues cause pressure that leads to more reflux when one is overweight. Even the loss of a little will help.
Yes. The stress can increase reflux with elevation of acid. Symptoms can be reduced by relaxation methods.
Not always. There are those who can accept small quantities. Follow your own triggers using food diary.
Wait not less than 2-3 hours after meals before going to bed or sleeping.
Sipping in between meals could help, however, large quantities of drinking throughout the meal may add to reflux.
Yes. Smoking dramatically thin out the lower esophageal sphincter and thus, frequently decreases episodes of reflux.
Yes. Light workouts such as walking and yoga are beneficial although not rigorous workouts immediately after meals.
In case the symptoms last over two times a week or aggravate, a gastroenterologist should be consulted on how to treat them.
