10 TIPS TO COMBAT GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or heartburn is one of the most common digestive symptoms in the Western world. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can be dangerous over the years if not corrected.

The reason why gastroesophageal reflux occurs is that the passage from the esophagus to the stomach, whose entrance is called cardia, is poorly closed and allows gastric contents to pass into the esophagus. It can be multifactorial, due to being overweight, due to hiatal hernia, tobacco or the consumption of certain medications.

The treatment of gastric reflux has several steps, depending on the phase and the response from the patient. The first of these can be easily done and is one of the most important. It is about respecting hygienic-dietary measures; such as avoiding copious intakes that generate more acid, avoiding the use of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, theine... Secondly, if the diet for gastroesophageal reflux has not worked, drug treatment is recommended. Today we have a wide variety of proton pump inhibitors, which must be administered before breakfast to prevent recurrence. Finally, in the presence of a voluminous hiatal hernia, a definitive surgical measure could be adopted.

10 tips and "home remedies for gastroesophageal reflux", how to combat heartburn:

1. Less portions: Copious meals favor the opening of the cardia, so eating less and more times a day reduces stomach acidity.

2. Eat slowly: It takes 20 minutes for the stomach to let us know that it is full. If we eat faster, we can end up eating more than necessary and chewing less, which means more work for the stomach.

3. Cook healthy: Do not cook very oily/buttery nor spicy, favors a lighter digestion. Good examples are: baked, boiled, steamed, papillote, grilled, etc.

4. A good plan to sleep: Sleep with your head somewhat incorporated and at least two or three hours after having dinner. In this way, we make sure that the digestion is done and there is no risk of gastroesophageal reflux.

5. Avoid pressure in the stomach: We must avoid pressure in the abdominal region; either due to excess weight, tight clothing at waist height... If there is physical pressure on the stomach, it is easier for the cardia to open and let content pass into the esophagus.

6. Drink infusions: Infusions, like chamomile or rosemary, it helps to calm stomach acidity.

7. Do don't drink coffee, alcohol nor chocolate drinks: These three foods are irritating to the stomach, so they will favor gastroesophageal reflux.

8. Avoid carbonated drinks: Carbonated drinks increase the volume inside the stomach and encourage its content to rise into the esophagus.

9. Seasonings: Some seasonings, such as spicy, pepper or mint, favor stomach acidity.

10. Fried: It goes without saying that fried foods are indigestible and this does not favor the control of gastric reflux.

Taking these measures, in the short term, will improve the quality of life of those who suffer from them.