Health Choices

Acid reflux or GERD is a major health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. In this condition, there is reflux of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains tightly closed, prevents reflux and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical treatment such as fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.

However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Eliminating these factors may avoid a trip to your doctor or taking over the counter medication. A change in lifestyle is sometimes all you need.

Obesity can cause or contribute to GERD. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition obese individuals are prone to developing hiatus hernias. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. Losing weight is an important aspect of GERD treatment.

Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The pressure exerted on the stomach may force acid back up into the esophagus. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.

Large volume of food in the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume increasing the risk for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.

Certain foods can affect acid reflux. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Removing cow’s milk protein from your diet will control this. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.

The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and result in acid reflux. Broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are in this list.

GERD symptoms are affected by female hormones. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had showed a greater risk. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Sedatives and tranquillisers can slow down peristaltic waves in the esophagus affecting clearance of food from the esophagus.

If you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Certain drugs ie tetracycline are corrosive to the lining of the esophagus. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water after medication to wash it down. Try not to take medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.

Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Stop smoking and your GERD might improve.

Certain exercises have been shown to increase the risk of acid reflux. Competitive weightlifting and cycling can do this. GERD symptoms can develop in joggers.

If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.