Dr Y Radha Krishna - Suffering From GERD: It Could Be Your Lifestyle

Unhealthy lifestyle habits can indeed contribute significantly to the development and worsening of GERD.

Several lifestyle factors can increase the risk of GERD. These include:

• Poor Diet Choices
• Smoking
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
• Lack of Physical Activity
• Stress and Anxiety

Follow a few lifestyle tips to prevent GERD -

• Instead of eating three large meals a day, divide it into small, frequent food portions.
• Take smaller bites. Chew your food properly before swallowing.
• Avoid Fatty, acidic, or spicy foods.
• If heartburn occurs regularly at night, consider raising the head of the bed or inserting a triangular wedge to keep your esophagus above the stomach.
• Don’t lie down within 2 hours of eating.
• Exercise regularly
• Work towards maintaining a healthy body weight.
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness.

TO “Guard against GERD,” you and your doctor will determine the course of treatment for your GERD. Changes in one’s diet and lifestyle are usually sufficient to treat GERD, although medication or surgery may be necessary for extreme situations.

Issued in Public Interest by Dr.Reddy's Laboratories LTD