Tips for Controlling Acid Reflux Disease(GERD)

Acid reflux is a commonly used name for GERD(gastroesophageal reflux disease). This is a painful and potentially dangerous disease that can cause erosion of the esophagus. This happens when stomach acid flows back up into the wind pipe causing inflammation. If left uncontrolled for a long period of time this condition can even lead to esophageal cancer.

In this article we will discuss some simple lifestyle changes along with some inexpensive over-the-counter medications that will help you to control your acid reflux disease and minimize the irritation to your esophagus.

Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated. This helps to keep the acid in your stomach from rising into the wind pipe. A good way to achieve this position is to place a couple of bricks underneath each corner of the head of your bed.

Do not eat a heavy meal within 3 hours of going to bed.

Eliminate or at least reduce your intake of alcoholic beverages.

Avoid cigarettes and tobacco products.

Avoid fried or spicy foods.

Avoid fruits and vegetables(and their juices) that are high in acidic content as this will cause your stomach to produce more acid which in turn will worsen your acid reflux.

Avoid decaffeinated sodas and drinks, such as coffee and tea.

It would also be of benefit to keep a journal of all food and drink that you may ingest. In this manner you will be able to discover which foods or beverages might be aggravating your acid reflux and therefore either limit or eliminate them from your diet.

These simple lifestyle changes alone should help to alleviate your acid reflux(GERD) symptoms. However if after you try these, you are still having problems there are many inexpensive over-the-counter medications that you may try.

First you might try an antacid. Some examples of these are:

Tums

Rolaids

Titralac

Next there are acid blockers which help to block acid production in the stomach. Some examples of this type of drug are:

Prilosec(my personal favorite), there is also a generic or store brand that is usually available at a lower cost.

Zantac 75 or 150, also available in a store brand.

Pepcid AC or Pepcid Complete

Axid AR

Tagamet HB

As our bodies age we tend to experience acid reflux more often than we did when we were younger. However, if your acid reflux does not respond to any of these medications along with your lifestyle changes it may be caused by a more serious condition. In that event you should seek the advice of your professional health care provider.