Issue Date: October 15, 2006
Gird for GERD
Change habits to beat the burn.
Eat dinner earlier -- and keep portions smaller.
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I grew up in a household where you could find Rolaids in every room. My brothers and I referred to it as Dad's "candy." I didn't realize he suffered from gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition in which the acid contents of the stomach slosh up into the food pipe. Those who are afflicted develop a burning in the chest, and some experience the stomach acid regurgitating into their mouths. For those who have symptoms a few times a month, it's generally a nuisance. But for many, the symptoms occur daily, disrupting their lives.
To control GERD, keep in mind the three "T's":
Meal timing. Gastroesophageal reflux tends to be worse when you lie down, so eat your evening meal as early as possible. Giving your stomach three to four hours to work on it and pass it downstream into the small intestine makes reflux less likely.
Type of food. Although foods don't cause GERD, they can aggravate the symptoms. Some common triggers are caffeine, alcohol, fatty or spicy foods and citrus fruits. After episodes of reflux, think back on what you ate to see if there is a pattern.
"Tonnage." Large meals make the upper intestinal tract work overtime to handle the load, so you're more likely to have acid reflux. Eating less reduces this tendency.
Whether your reflux is a nuisanceor a nightmare, changing a few habits can improve your situation. Get started today and you'll feel better before you know it.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and medical director of the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, writes HealthSmart every week.
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