GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition that occurs when gastric acid from the stomach goes up into the esophagus, often causing inflammation and other complications arising from the frequency and rate of such action. Usually this is because the sphincter muscle that is in charge of keeping the acid at bay in the stomach, is not functioning properly, thereby allowing the acid to roam freely and hit the esophageal tract. There are different levels of GERD, which need to be given immediate treatement in order to avoid other possible conditions such as gastritis, esophagitis (inflamation of the esophagus), Barrett’s esophagus, which in turn could lead to esophageal cancer.
Living with GERD or Acid Reflux is not easy. Listed below are some very important things you should know while taking treatment, whether traditionally or naturally:
1. Be Consistent in Your Medication – too often one quits if one medicine or supposed natural cure doesn’t work at the first time of taking it. Give yourself enough time to consistently take your medication and then weigh your decision if it would be something that works for you and you’d want to continue with it, or look for better alternatives.
2. Stop Eating Very Acidic Foods – this is simply a basic rule to follow, but one that is often the hardest to apply. Just like you, I had to face the facts and accept my condition at that time that my body could not handle foods that I enjoy (chocolate, ice cream, pork, coffee, et al. ). There are better, healthier alternatives and it helps if you have a proper mindset and take away the negative notions that you will be stuck with “dry and dull” foods for the rest of your life. I’ve found out that there are certain foods that I enjoyed, which if combined with other foods, do not cause acid reflux. But for the most part, you need discipline and a good perspective that not eating such foods for now, will enable your body to recover itself and heal faster.
3. Try To Maintain an Active Lifestyle – and that means getting regular exercise and sweating it out. The worse thing that can happen for a person suffering from GERD or Acid Reflux, is they become sedentary and passive in their way of living. This is the perfect breeding ground for complications to occur. If you are unable to do so, or your GERD is at a level that prevents you from such, then why not try a simple everyday jog, walking up and down a flight of stairs, or taking your dog for a walk. Otherwise, proceed with caution.
Make sure you regularly monitor yourself during the treatment process. And keep your emotions in check. This is obviously easier said than done, but stress also plays an active factor in the outcome of one’s medication.
