If you have recurring acid reflux, you’re in good company. About one-fifth of Americans have this digestive disorder. When left untreated, acid reflux can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which leads to inflammation and other serious complications.
Besides being a threat to your health, acid reflux can cause problematic symptoms that interfere with your quality of life, including:
Fortunately, there are lifestyle tips and treatments to help you tame the burn of acid reflux. At Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery in Snellville, Georgia, Aliu Sanni, MD, FACS and the team have the expertise needed to diagnose and treat this recurring, painful condition.
Keep reading to learn how you can reclaim control of your life by reigning in your acid reflux, and the treatment options that can help.
Some foods are more likely to trigger acid reflux than others. If you regularly experience acid reflux, it’s important to know which foods affect you. Some of the most common acid reflux food triggers include:
Alcohol and highly acidic beverages, like tea, coffee, and citrus juices, can also cause an acid reflux flareup. By carefully noting how certain foods make you feel, you can eliminate those that trigger acid reflux and keep it better under control.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. It’s also an important step in getting your acid reflux under control.
When you weigh more than you should, the extra pounds place increased pressure on your stomach. This makes it more likely for your stomach acid to re-enter your esophagus.
Dr. Sanni and the team can talk to you about medically supervised weight loss if you need extra support losing weight.
Carbonated beverages can cause your stomach acid to bubble and rise into your throat. The result? An uncomfortable episode of acid reflux. Steering clear of these drinks, like soda, seltzer water, beer, and anything with bubbles, can help control your acid reflux symptoms.
For many people, acid reflux is at its worst as soon as you lie down at night. This could be because you’re eating too late in the evening. It takes an hour or longer for your stomach to digest your last meal, so be sure to eat no more than 2-3 hours before bed to give your stomach a chance to settle down.
Another reason people suffer from acid reflux at night is their sleeping position. If you sleep on your back, you’re more likely to experience acid reflux since this position makes it easier for your stomach acid to travel into your esophagus.
Try keeping your head propped up on a pillow, using a foam wedge to elevate the upper part of your body, or even adding risers or extenders to your bed frame to create an angle that keeps your head above your heart.
Sometimes getting acid reflux under control calls for more help. If you’ve tried our helpful tips but are still struggling, it’s time to call Dr. Sanni at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery.
Dr. Sanni and the team personalize your acid reflux treatment plan based on your medical history and current symptoms. Options may include:
If you’re suffering from recurring acid reflux and want to learn more about how to get it under control, schedule an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Sanni at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery today. You can also text our office at 201-565-0876.
