What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic condition in which the stomach contents leak backwards into the oesophagus regularly. It occurs when there is too much pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and oesophagus. The sphincter normally opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and then closes tightly to prevent acid from moving back up. When there's too much pressure on it, the valve opens more easily and allows acid and partially-digested food to flow back up.

The main symptoms of GERD include:

• A constant burning sensation in the chest;

• An unpleasant taste in the mouth; and

• A cough that keeps coming back.

It can also cause you to feel bloated and sick, which worsens after eating, or when lying down and bending over. The leading cause of GERD is a weakened sphincter, as discussed above, but it can also be aggravated by smoking, alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, and spicy food.

How can you manage GERD?

When left untreated, GERD can lead to complications like damage to the oesophagus lining or even esophageal cancer. Here are three ways you can manage symptoms:

1. Cut down on vices like cigarettes

Cigarettes can worsen GERD because the smoke causes you to produce less saliva , making stomach acid stay in your oesophagus longer than it should. The nicotine pouches listed on Prilla demonstrate how nicotine cravings can be satisfied through smoke-free and tobacco-free products. By completely eliminating smoke and substituting cigarettes with alternatives that come in different flavours and strengths, you can avoid a GERD flare-up without causing another set of issues caused by nicotine withdrawal.

2. See your trusted GP

GERD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, but it's important to see your doctor if you think you have GERD. The NHS recommends seeing your general practitioner if you've been experiencing heartburn for more than three weeks. Not all symptoms are related to GERD, so it's necessary to ensure there isn't another cause for your symptoms. Once your GP rules out other ailments, she can prescribe omeprazole or lansoprazole, drugs that block acid production in the stomach and reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

2. Avoid processed foods such as crisps

If you're suffering from GERD, it's crucial to identify and avoid food triggers. Processed foods are one of the worst offenders in this condition. They typically contain high amounts of sodium, sugar, and fats, which can lead to symptoms like heartburn and indigestion. Our blog post, "Should You Eat Ultra-Processed Foods?" provides a checklist of food you should avoid for easy reference. Case in point, most crisps include artificial flavourings on top of fats and salt. You can instead opt for whole foods that give you the nutrients you need without additives that can cause flare-ups.

Conclusion

GERD is a common condition that can be managed if you know and understand its signs and symptoms. Living with it requires a delicate balance between the lifestyle changes you make and the medications you take.