Weight Loss and GERD: Your First Defense

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Weight loss and acid reflux

Being overweight is associated with many health problems. This includes increased risk of chronic diseases such as depression, fatigue and heart disease. Another health problem associated with being overweight is acid reflux or heartburn. Understanding the link between excess weight and acid reflux can help you take steps to maintain your weight. It can relieve heartburn.

Understanding acid reflux and GERD

Acid reflux is a common illness. At least 15 million people in the United States experience daily symptoms of heart disease. Regular heartburn can be a symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is commonly known as acid reflux. However it requires treatment to reduce esophageal damage for a more chronic condition.

Contrary to the name, the heart has nothing to do with your heart. Instead, the name comes from the burning sensations around your chest and upper GI tract. These burning sensations occur when acids from the stomach return to the esophagus. This discomfort can last up to two hours at a time.

Unstable irritation can happen to anyone from time to time. GERD, however, causes symptoms at least twice a week. Apart from the classic burning sensations, GERD can also be caused by:

A bitter taste in your mouth

Cough

Excess stomach

Flatulence

Sore throat

Difficulty swallowing

Huising

Whether you suffer from occasional or ongoing forms of acid reflux, your weight may play a role.

The effect of your weight on the symptoms

Anyone can get heartburn occasionally but being overweight is one of the most common causes of GERD. In fact, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy identifies obesity as the cause of frequent heartburn. Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, making stomach acid more likely to leak or reflux.

Tight clothing can also increase the symptoms of heartburn. Weight loss can help relieve acid reflux and loosen your clothes as another form of treatment.

Weight gain and other risk factors.

Being overweight is one of the biggest risks associated with GRD. Temporary weight gain, such as heartburn, can also occur during pregnancy. In this case, the symptoms usually go away when you return to your normal weight.

Acid reflux also aggravates other health conditions and may include:

Asthma

Chest pain

Chronic cough

Sore throat

Vocal cord tumors

Your diet can also affect acid reflux. The following foods are known to increase GERD:

Alcohol

Carbonated beverages

Citrus foods (including fruit juice)

Coffee

Fatty foods

Garlic

Mint (especially mint)

Packaged / processed foods

Spicy food

Tomatoes and related products

Reducing your trigger foods can benefit GERD in two ways: It can help relieve symptoms in the short term and help you lose weight in the long run.

Tips to lose weight

One of the best ways to fight GERD to weight loss The first step is to reduce your daily calorie intake. Cutting out high-fat foods can help reduce calories by reducing your risk of heartburn. The same thing happens with packaged foods and other nutritious items such as sugar.

Exercise is another weight loss technique that is especially helpful for burn patients. Walking after meals helps burn calories and aids digestion. This way, you will lie down after eating and the risk of further loss of stomach acid is lower.

For severe obesity that is not resolved with diet and exercise, in some cases weight loss surgery may be required. Due to the nature of the procedure, heartburn is a common side effect. You can treat it in the same way as other lifestyle remedies for handle burn:

Eat small meals

Do not eat less than 2 hours before bed

Raise your bed head to 6 to 10 inches with foam wedges

Eat slowly

Avoid trigger foods (e.g. high fat, spicy foods)

BOTTOM LINE

There is a strong link between being overweight and acid reflux. Weight loss will be followed by constant fatigue and tiredness. If you have GERD, be sure to follow your treatment plan to avoid damage to your esophagus. If you can't improve your condition despite trying your best to lose weight, talk to your gastroenterologist.