Since 1999, GERD Awareness Week has tried to educate people about what GERD is and how it affects the body. The International Foundation for Gastro Disorders has offered many tips on how you can better manage GERD so that you can live a more active life.
What is GERD?
GERD is an acronym that means gastroesophageal reflux disease. It’s a condition where acid and bile move back up the esophagus to the throat. That increases the acidity in the throat, which can in turn cause inflammation and discomfort.
More women than men live with GERD and some cases of it have no symptoms at all. When symptoms are present, they tend to be things like:
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Cough wheezing
- Chest tightness
You can take control of your GERD symptoms
Staying as active as possible is one of the best ways to cut down on GERD symptoms. Try to move every part of your body at least every hour and wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to keep your body healthy and active. Also, avoid lying down on your back to sleep as it could cause discomfort in some cases!
Some acidic foods have been proven to increase your risk for GERD. That’s why low-acid foods and foods with a high amount of magnesium, especially leafy greens, might help you feel better.
Tips for living with GERD
GERD is an uncomfortable condition, but you’d be surprised how manageable it can be with just a few lifestyle changes. H ere are some quick tips:
1. Track your reflux symptoms
If you don't track your reflux symptoms, you may be unaware of when symptoms occur and how much they are affecting you. Tracking can help you find patterns of foods or activities that might trigger GERD so you can avoid them.
2. Eat smaller meals
It's important to eat small meals throughout the day to keep your digestion moving and prevent reflux.
3. Eat foods with low acidity
Try to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Some foods that have a high glycemic index, like certain types of bread, can cause inflammation that could trigger GERD.
Alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate can also worsen your symptoms!
Omeprazole medicine for GERD and how to find it
Omeprazole is the most commonly prescribed anti-reflux medicine for GERD. It’s not an antacid, but it works as a kind of acid-blocker that reduces the levels of gastric acid in your stomach.
The first step toward managing GERD is finding a doctor. Your healthcare provider can give you a prescription for omeprazole or another medication, such as esomeprazole or pantoprazole to help manage those symptoms.
But even when you have a prescription, you might have trouble affording your medication. Have you thought about looking for a discount on your medicine at rxless? RxLess indexes prescription drug prices from some of the most common pharmacies nationwide, like CVS, Walgreens, and more, making it the best place to find savings on your prescriptions.
