5 tips for coping with GERD and acid reflux

Are you among the thousands of Canadians suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Discover tips for coping with GERD and symptoms including acid reflux.

Keeping a food and activity log is useful, as it allows you to discern what triggers your acid reflux. Simply record your symptoms and what you ate, drank or did before they occurred.

Look back on your log each week and remind yourself to avoid whatever set off your GERD to see if it makes a difference. In the end, you'll have a comprehensive personal analysis of the patterns of your condition and what causes flare-ups.

Lifestyle changes help to decrease occurrences of GERD, and are important to put in place, but are not the end of the story.

They include:

• Controlling your weight;
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals;
• Raising the head of your bed;
• Not going to bed on a full stomach;
• Ceasing smoking and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake.

Once you're doing all these things and know that you're trying your best, don't beat yourself up when you do have acid reflux. According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF), 24 per cent of the population suffer from heartburn at least once a day. You're not alone in suffering from this condition.

When you have GERD, you are bothered by unpleasant symptoms that may cause you to feel emotionally drained. In the midst of this, it's valuable to make yourself as comfortable as possible. This can include:

• Wear loose clothing on days when you're not feeling well; tight clothing aggravates the condition.
• If you can't sleep at night, get out of bed and read a book, watch TV, or do some soothing activity.

Keep on with your normal social activities as much as possible, and if they involve eating and drinking, tell your friends about your condition and ask them if they mind if you bring along your own supplies. More often than not, people are happy to accommodate a specific diet and prepare a dish that you can happily eat.

GERD is a disease. It is not caused by the type of life you lead, the kind of food you eat, or the shape of your body. The CDHF says that most people who are suffering from an acid-related disease (ARD) procrastinate for about 24 months before consulting a medical professional. Consult your doctor if you suffer from acid reflux, and once you've been prescribed with medication, give it a chance to work.

You can get relief from the symptoms of GER, including acid reflux, by adjusting your lifestyle to avoid triggers.