Acid reflux is observed to cause right after a meal in many patients. The doctors suspect that it is caused due to overconsumption of food (or) having a heavy meal. This can be majorly due to the dysfunction of the esophageal sphincter. An esophageal sphincter is a muscle that prevents the acidic content from flowing up from the stomach. Acid reflux occurs in conditions where the esophageal sphincter muscle is weak or damaged. Taking larger meals can worsen the condition.
Maintain proper body weight:
Maintaining a proper weight plays a major role, as excess belly fat can cause pressure in the abdominal region where the diaphragm is located. The diaphragm will strengthen the esophageal sphincter and helps to maintain the proper posture of the esophageal sphincter. The excess pressure in the abdominal region can pressurize and weaken the sphincter causing acid reflux. Therefore maintaining a healthy weight is important.
Maintain a Low-Carb Diet :
Maintaining a low-carb diet can reduce the pressure in the abdominal region, which in turn prevents acid reflux. Consuming low-carb can considerably decrease the load on digestion which makes the job much easier. Recent reports state that undigested carbs cause unwanted bacterial growth which increases the pressure in the abdominal region. Therefore low carb diet reduces unwanted bacterial growth as well as helps to lose weight.
Avoid alcohol consumption:
Alcohol consumption is said to increase the acid secretion in the stomach which in turn leads to acidity. Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen acidity. Therefore it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption.
Avoid Caffeine:
Caffeine has been found to aggravate the symptoms of acidity. Even Though the exact mechanism of action on how caffeine increases the acid reflux is not yet found. It is observed that the excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks weakens the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, which causes acid reflux.
Chew Gum
Chewing gum can be a quick remedy that reduces acidity in the esophagus. The reason behind is that when you chew gum, the saliva production increases and this helps clear and dilute the esophagus acid. Recent studies reveal that chewing gum decreases the acid content in the esophagus. Chewing gum also helps maintain the production of salivary glands and prevents dry mouth.
Avoid Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated beverages are not advised for seniors for their health. Water can be the best beverage for seniors to avoid acid reflux. Intake of carbonated beverages in seniors was associated with increased acid reflux conditions. The main factor is the carbon dioxide in these beverages which affects digestion causing indigestion. If you are a regular drinker of carbonated beverages, try drinking them less and gradually avoid them altogether.
Don’t Drink Too Much Citrus Juice
In a study of GERD in seniors, 72% of them reported that orange or grape juice worsened their GERD symptoms. It is likely that the neutral pH of orange juice appears to have aggravated the symptoms. Whereas the contents of grape juice are found to be irritating for the line of the esophagus. These citrus juices might not individually cause acid reflux, but can make your heartburn worse by aggravating the symptoms.
Eat Three Hours prior to Bedtime:
Eating well ahead before sleep time is recommended for seniors to allow their body to digest the food while they are awake and active. Geriatric doctors advise that a minimum of three hours gap should be from the time you are eating and going to sleep. Avoid late evening snacks and stick to a constant timing to train your body.
Don’t Sleep on Your Right Side
The esophagus is on the right side of the stomach. Recent studies have found out that, when you sleep on your left side the esophagus is less pressurized and the chances of acid leaking through it and causing reflux are considerably reduced compared to when you sleep on the right. This can not be completely implemented since seniors usually rotate during their sleep. However, it is best to avoid sleeping on the right side to avoid acid reflux at night.
The Bottom Line
As we age, the frequency and severity of acidity also increase. There can be many causes for this like, excessive junk food intake, poor habits, etc. This can be easily overcome through simple dietary changes, lifestyle changes and tips suggested in this article to lead a healthy life. Do not forget to consult with your family doctor or book a doctor home visit if the symptoms persist for more than a year.
Catch Phrase: “The solutions are often simple, yet unexpected.”Here are a few tips on how to get rid of acidity. Read on to know more.
Keywords: Acidity, acid reflux, heartburn, Acid, esophageal sphincter, esophagus, stomach, GERD.
Hashtags: #acdity #heartburn #acidreflux #acid #esophagus #seniors #seniorcitizen #geriatric
