Why Am I So Constipated All the Time?
About 4 million Americans experience constipation on a regular basis, and what drives this uncomfortable backup can vary greatly. Here, we look at some leading suspects when it comes to constipation.
Lifestyle Modifications That Can Relieve Discomfort Caused by GERD
After eating a giant plate of ghost pepper wings, it’s not unusual to feel heartburn. And it’s probably nothing to worry about — until heartburn becomes a regular occurrence.
When the burning in your stomach and chest becomes more frequent, even without the hot sauce, you might have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
If you're suffering from chronic heartburn symptoms, Dr. Sam Weissman and his team provide the treatment you need to ease your symptoms. Dr. Weissman is an experienced gastroenterologist who can help you make lifestyle changes to eliminate discomfort.
Understanding GERD
GERD is a chronic condition that causes acid from your stomach to keep backing up into your esophagus. Unlike occasional heartburn, GERD persists, making even simple meals uncomfortable.
Dr. Weissman diagnoses you with GERD when you have more than two episodes of reflux per week or your symptoms persist even after taking antacids or medications.
The main signs of GERD are acid reflux and food regurgitation that lead to chronic symptoms. The constant acid reflux damages the lining of your esophagus and causes complications down the road. Get medical treatment if you think you have GERD.
There are many factors that contribute to GERD, including obesity, your diet, and certain medications. We must figure out what's causing your symptoms to get you the treatment you need.
Signs and symptoms of GERD
Heartburn and acid reflux are the most common symptoms associated with GERD. If you feel a burning sensation in your chest or throat after eating, you may be experiencing GERD. Other symptoms you may feel include:
- Vomiting or regurgitating food
- A feeling of a lump in your throat
- Hiccuping or burping
- Trouble swallowing
- Bloating
- Sore throat
- Dry, uncomfortable cough
You may find that certain foods trigger these symptoms, especially spicy foods or dairy. You must understand what triggers your symptoms so you can change your diet to alleviate any discomfort.
Lifestyle changes to help your symptoms
When you have chronic reflux or heartburn, controlling your symptoms is the key to success. Start by making lifestyle changes.
A few of the lifestyle modifications Dr. Weissman recommends include:
Losing weight
If you're overweight, losing the extra pounds is the best way to alleviate your symptoms. The excess weight puts undue stress on the sphincter in your esophagus, causing it to open when it should be closed.
Losing weight eases the symptoms of GERD by taking the excess strain off the esophageal sphincter.
Remaining seated after eating
Eating right before bedtime or lying down right after eating can trigger GERD. Wait at least two hours after a meal before lying down. That time allows your stomach to digest some food, reducing the risk of reflux.
Eating smaller meals
Overeating exacerbates GERD symptoms. Too much food in your stomach leads to the regurgitation of food and acid into your esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms.
Instead, eat several small meals instead of a couple of large meals a day. Include nutritious foods and cut down on fats.
Elevating your head
When you lie down (at least two hours after eating), prop up your head. Your stomach will still have some undigested food, increasing your risk of heartburn. If your GERD symptoms are severe, sleep with your head propped up.
Changing your diet
Your diet has a lot to do with GERD symptoms. If you're dealing with frequent bouts of heartburn, avoid foods like alcohol, coffee, fatty foods, and spicy foods.
All these foods affect your gastrointestinal tract by increasing the acid or slowing the emptying of contents from your stomach.
Quitting smoking
You know that smoking harms your health, but did you know it affects your GI tract? Smoking may increase the amount of acid in your stomach, worsening GERD symptoms. Talk to Dr. Weissman about how to curb your nicotine habit for your overall health and the health of your GI tract.
To get expert treatment for your GERD symptoms, call our office in Brooklyn, New York, today or request a consultation through this website.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Don't Ignore Rectal Bleeding
Finding blood in places where it doesn’t belong, such as in your stool, can be alarming. Well, we suggest that you heed this alarm if it’s an ongoing issue and seek our help. Here’s why.
The Crohn's Friendly Diet You Can Start Today
When you have an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease, diet is your most important line of defense. Here are some valuable tips that can improve your quality of life in no time.
Could My Abdominal Pain Be Caused by a Stomach Ulcer?
Each year, around 4 million Americans develop stomach ulcers, making them a common gastrointestinal condition. If you’re experiencing ongoing stomach pain, it’s worth learning about ulcers.
5 Tips for Managing Digestive Issues During the Holidays
The holidays are in full swing, which means there’s plenty of feasting in your future as you gather with family and friends. If you’re one of the millions of people who have digestive issues, here are a few tips.
Let's Talk Flatulence — and When to Be Concerned
Everyone passes gas — about 10-20 times per day. This flatulence is a perfectly normal part of your digestive process. If you find that you’re passing gas far more often, and you feel bloated, it could signal a larger issue.