Is it just heartburn, or is it GERD?
We’ve all felt it – that painful burning sensation in the chest or stomach. Whether you call it heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux, it’s a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Over 60 million American experience symptoms of GERD at least once a month. If you have experienced it, you know it can be very uncomfortable. But what are the signs and what can you do about it beyond popping a Pepcid or eating Tums like they are candy?
The symptoms of GERD
GERD can present itself in many ways. The most common symptom is that burning sensation you get in your chest (it’s often referred to as heartburn, but it has nothing to do with your heart). The pain can often radiate up your chest and even into your throat.
Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, nausea, burping, bloating, and/or a bitter or sour taste in your mouth caused by the regurgitation of stomach acids.
Foods to watch out for
Did you know your diet is a major contributing factor when it comes to the prevention of GERD? It is important to eat frequent, small meals as they are easier to digest.
Some foods to avoid include:
High-fat foods, which take longer to digest
High-acid foods, including tomatoes and citrus fruits
Alcohol
Caffeine from coffee, tea or chocolate
Spicy foods
Garlic and onions
More stomach-soothing tips
What you eat is not the only factor to consider. Lifestyle factors are equally important. Some people are more prone to GERD, including pregnant women and people who are obese, smoke or have diseases like asthma, gastroparesis (aka delayed stomach emptying) or diabetes.
To prevent or avoid GERD, you can:
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid wearing tight clothes
Quit smoking
Avoid lying down after meals
Prop your head up with a pillow while sleeping
Living with GERD
Managing GERD is a personalized process. Left untreated, it can lead to more serious issues like esophageal ulcers and even cancer. Make sure to contact your doctor to discuss what treatments are right for you.
When it comes to managing your diet and identifying the foods that exacerbate your symptoms, a food journal can be a very important tool. Try to document the types of foods that cause symptoms and those that do not. You can gradually omit the foods that affect you, thus preventing painful symptoms and the progression of this disease. |
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