Since Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD is a so-called “lifestyle” caused disease, doctors often advise a complete change in habits, whether it be eating habits, or even the kind of clothes to be worn. Patients suffering from this disease should adopt a “de-toxifying” diet, to clear out all toxins from the oesophagus, as well as, reduce the production of these corrosive acids in the stomach.
Firstly, one of the most common instructions given to patients with GERD is to drink lots of water. Normally, one should drink about a gallon of filtered water everyday. But usually it is advised to drink as much water to keep the color of urine into a light yellow shade. After all, large water quantities are required to normalise the pH level in the stomach.
Secondly, there are certain foods that accentuate the probability of GERD, which have to be strictly avoided. These foods include, caffeine containing beverages such as tea, coffee, and aerated drinks, as well as, drinks containing excessive amounts of Vitamin C, such as lemon and orange juices. Apart from that, an excessive amount of fried and spicy foods, chocolates and candy such as peppermint and spearmint should be avoided. Smoking and excessive amounts of alcohol causes the Lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) to malfunction, hence these items should be completed omitted from ones diet plan. Also, avoid cruciferous vegetables such as onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts.
As a part of lifestyle change, doctors always advise to eat dinners atleast two hours before going to bed. Also, it is necessary to not lie down after a mean. While sleeping, the patient should always keep ones head, a little elevated (using a thick pillow), or elevate the headboard of the bed. Apart from that, daily exercise is always recommended, to burn all the fat from the stomach surroundings, as fat tends to slow down the digestion process, thus allowing the contents to stay in the stomach for a longer period, which in turn, could lead to the the contents of the stomach being pressurised to move back into the oesophagus.
It is a common mistake to believe that milk and milk products can ease down the symptoms of GERD. Hence, it was a common practice to drink milk before going to bed. But recent studies have shown that although milk might initially reduce the possibility of the reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus, it then, suddenly begins to accentuate the reflux by itself being the catalyst in the reaction. Hence, any form of milk or milk product is best avoided before going to bed.
A number of drugs are prescribed to treat GERD. These drugs are common to most Western countries. These can be used in tandem with other medication. Antacids before or after meals can reduce gastric acidity and increase the pH level of the stomach juices. Alginic acid may coat the mucosa as well as increase the pH and thus decrease reflux.
Gastric hydrogen receptor blockers, such as ranitidine or famotidine reduces the gastric secretion of acid. These drugs are technically anti-histamines and relieve complaints in about 50% of all GERD patients.
Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole are most effective in reducing stomach acid secretion, as they stop the secretion of acid at the source of acid production, which is called the proton pump. The drug should be taken a half hour before meals to maximize the effectiveness of this medication. Also, prokinetics are useful to strengthen the LES and speed up gastric emptying.
Chronic GERD can also be cured by surgery. In this case, the medical action taken is called Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure, the upper part of the stomach is carefully wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter and thus prevent the stomach acid reflux. This procedure is often done laparoscopically.