Gastro-oesophageal acid reflux occurs when the stomach does not close properly and gastric acids rise up into the esophagus, irritating its inner layer and, consequently, causing acid reflux. One of the best ways to prevent this phenomenon from occurring is to raise the bed with risers, or use therapeutic pillows, methods that we will discuss in this article. To begin alleviating the ailments caused by acid reflux, start by reading the following steps.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Raising the Bed Effectively
Step 1. Choose the right material
The material you want to use to lift the part of the bed that your head rests on should be chosen carefully. Therapeutic wedge pillows or bed boosters are recommended (regardless of the material they are made of). These measures ensure that the ideal height is kept constant every day. Here are three possible alternatives:
- The simplest solution is to place a cinder block, bricks or books under the feet of the bed on the head side.
- If this is not possible, you can buy plastic or wooden risers to put under the foot of the bed. There are also "bed wedges" that can be placed between the mattress and the spring base, or on the mattress itself under the sheets.
- Otherwise, a wedge therapy pillow can be used to simulate a raised bed. It's just as the name indicates - a firmer wedge-shaped pillow. However, this type of pillow could cause neck pain.
Step 2. Raise the bed to the correct height
The height to which the part of the bed on which the head rests is brought should be meticulously measured. Many studies show that the ideal height is at least 15-20cm. This height has been scientifically proven to prevent gastric acid reflux episodes while the person is lying down.
- In practice, the higher the bed, the better the results. However, you must continue to have a comfortable sleeping position. Most people find that 15-20cm height is ideal.
- The use of a wedge pillow ensures correct sleeping position and prevents slipping. Regardless of potential neck pain, it works just as effectively as a real bed lift. Usually the tendency to slip on a regular pillow is common; instead the wedge pillows keep the subject raised all night.
Step 3. Raise your shoulder blades as well
The intersection between the stomach and the esophagus is located approximately at the lower end of the shoulder blades. So the shoulder blades should also be raised to prevent acid reflux.
If you don't lift your torso as well, not only will the discomfort of reflux most likely come back, but it will also be difficult to get into a comfortable position due to neck and back pain
Step 4. Never use a set of pillows to lift your head
Stacked pillows can involve an angle of the head that compresses the stomach. This position could aggravate reflux.
You should try not to use regular pillows for sleeping, as they cause extra pressure on the abdomen, pushing stomach contents upwards. It could also slide forward and frustrate the system
Step 5. Understand why these systems work
Gastroesophageal acid reflux is more common when lying down due to the fact that gravity does not oppose reflux like when standing. The reduced gravitational action also allows gastric acids to stay longer in the esophagus and to reach the mouth more easily.
Raising the bed under the head dramatically reduces contact between the inside of the esophagus and stomach acids. It also reduces the patient's sleep disturbances
Part 2 of 4: Acid Reflux Prevention
Step 1. Don't eat before bedtime
Otherwise all efforts would be in vain! One should go to bed on an empty or dry stomach. You should eat at least three hours before and drink two hours before bedtime. Otherwise a reflux episode will be more likely.
It is also advisable to avoid lying down after eating. After a meal, to make sure the food has been digested, it is best to wait at least 3 hours before lying down. It is also the time it takes for the body to empty the stomach
Step 2. Avoid fatty foods
Fatty foods, such as fried foods and fast food meals, stay longer in the stomach and are usually harder and heavier to digest. The longer the food remains in the stomach, the more the contents that remain at the intersection of the stomach and the esophagus stimulate reflux.
- Chocolates are high in fat and caffeine, which is also bad for reflux. Cocoa also has a high level of caffeine, which induces a greater production of gastric acids and reflux.
- Fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, garlic, and onion are all foods recognized as a cause of acid reflux.
Step 3. Chew gum
Chewing American gum increases saliva production, a gift of nature against acid reflux for those who suffer from it. If you are about to consume a food that you shouldn't, it would be a good idea to take a packet of American gum with you to offset any complications.
However, care must be taken not to choose the mint flavor. Mint promotes acid reflux due to the fact that it momentarily relaxes the valve between the esophagus and stomach and stimulates the production of stomach acids
Step 4. Wear loose fitting clothing
When the clothes you wear are tight, pressure is put on the stomach. This additional constriction of the abdominal area promotes the backflow of gastric acids into the esophagus, causing acid reflux.
When preparing to have a heavy meal or eating foods that are known to trigger reflux, tight clothing (including underwear) should be avoided as these could aggravate the problem
Step 5. Stay away from coffee and orange juice
Coffee keeps people awake by introducing caffeine into the body. This also stimulates the production of gastric acids. Hyper-acidity facilitates the ascent of what is contained in the stomach. Any element that favors the production of acids should obviously be avoided (such as orange juice).
- Orange juice and other citrus-based drinks have a high content of vitamin C or ascorbic acid. The latter further increases the acidity level in the stomach and stimulates acid reflux.
- Non-decaffeinated teas and carbonated drinks should also be avoided in order to limit the production of stomach acids.
Step 6. Stay fit
Exercise relieves the symptoms of reflux by reducing the compression on the stomach. Just dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to physical activity. This goal can also be divided into several sessions. For example 10 minutes of walking three times a day.
Walking for 30 minutes a day promotes body fat loss. For those who find walking boring, other alternatives could be gardening, swimming, walking the dog, window shopping
Step 7. Lose weight
Overweight or obese people complain of gastric reflux due to excess belly fat compressing the stomach. This increases the pressure inside the stomach and pushes its contents back up into the esophagus. To reduce reflux it would be necessary to decrease weight.
Avoid overeating not only to control your weight but also to reduce the chances of having reflux episodes. Eat smaller meals more often to maintain a healthy weight and to avoid overloading your stomach
Step 8. Stop smoking
Smoking is a known trigger of gastric reflux. In the long run it can cause severe damage and cancer of the esophagus. Quitting smoking gives immediate relief.
There are a ton of good reasons to quit smoking, in addition to controlling reflux. It can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, other types of cancers, and can have healthier and more beautiful hair, skin, nails and teeth
Part 3 of 4: Pharmacological Treatment
Step 1. Consider taking antacids
Antacids, such as aluminum or magnesium hydroxide (in liquid form), neutralize the acidic content present in the esophagus and stomach. You will feel a cool relief and soothing effect as soon as the liquid passes through the esophagus.
- The recommended daily dose is usually 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 ml), to be taken 4 times a day. It is best to take the antacid 20 minutes to one hour after meals.
- Antacids can also have side effects - constipation or diarrhea.
Step 2. Consider taking Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medications
PPIs are one of the best systems for treating gastroesophageal acid reflux. Their action consists in deactivating the pump that produces hydrogen, one of the most important components of gastric acids. Reduced hydrogen production results in less irritation of the esophagus. To maximize their effect, PPIs should be taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast.
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The daily dose of the different types of PPIs are:
20 mg of Omeprazole per day
30 mg of Lansoprazole per day
40 mg of Pantoprazole per day
40 mg of Esomeprazole per day
20 mg of Rabeprazole per day.
- PPIs can have migraines, stomach pain, and retching as side effects.
Step 3. Plan to take H2 receptor antagonist drugs
The only purpose of the H2 receptors in the stomach is to produce acids. H2 receptor antagonists counteract this acid production. It is an alternative to PPIs that your doctor can prescribe.
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The daily dose of the different types of H2 receptor antagonists are:
300 mg of Cimetidine to be taken 4 times a day
150 mg of Ranitidine to be taken twice a day
20 mg of Famotidine to be taken twice a day
150 mg of Nizatidine twice a day.
- H2 receptor antagonists can have migraine, constipation and diarrhea as side effects.
Step 4. To get a specialist opinion it is advisable to consult a doctor
Medical treatment to relieve the ailments caused by reflux is a useful adjuvant to self-medication remedies. The drugs work by both neutralizing stomach acids and inhibiting their production. Regardless of the antacids (available at any pharmacy and supermarkets), the doctor will prescribe the drug that is the best solution.
Gastric acids are an essential element for the protection of the stomach and for the digestive process. Prolonged drug therapy could compromise the digestive system. Prolonging drug therapy beyond four weeks should be done under the supervision of a physician
Part 4 of 4: Understanding Gastro-Esophageal Reflux
Step 1. You are not alone
Disorders related to reflux or gastroesophageal diseases are one of the most common complaints in the general population. Recent studies conducted in the USA have found that 7% of the population suffers from reflux every day. Additionally, 15% of individuals experience related symptoms at least once a week.
It cannot be said that there is no hope. With proper treatment, these statistics could be much lower. Most people don't even bother taking action. In fact, a decade ago these percentages were 50% higher
Step 2. Know what happens in your body
The esophagus is a food channel that connects the mouth to the stomach. Food in the stomach is mixed with stomach acids to prepare it for absorption by the body. This is where "acid" can become "reflux".
- Usually the contents of the stomach, once it has been made suitable for digestion, go down into the intestine. The two valves, made up of muscles, at the top and bottom of the esophagus prevent the acid bolus from moving up from the stomach into the esophagus and into the mouth.
- Reflux is caused by a weakening of these valves between the esophagus and stomach. The acids contained in gastric juices and food bolus irritate the esophagus. As reflux worsens, acids can travel up to the mouth.
Step 3. Know the risk factors
Many events that normally happen in everyday life can put us at risk or cause reflux. Among these factors the following can be listed:
- Pregnancy. The upward growth of the uterus moves the stomach and other abdominal organs towards the postero-superior part of the abdomen itself. As a consequence there is a high predisposition to reflux.
- Smoke. Smoking increases acidity in the stomach. In addition to this, it weakens the muscles of the valves that prevent the acid bolus from reaching the esophagus.
- Obesity. Excess abdominal fat compresses the stomach and increases its internal pressure. The acidic contents are forcibly pushed towards the esophagus if the pressure inside the stomach becomes too high.
- Tight-fitting clothing. The constrictions in the abdominal area increase the pressure inside the stomach and can cause a reversal of the flow of its contents.
- Heavy meals. The stomach widens in its upper part to increase its volume. Hence a higher acid content is concentrated near the intersection of the stomach and the esophagus.
- Lie down on your back. The lying position on your back, particularly after a meal, moves the contents of the stomach closer to the intersection of the stomach and esophagus.
- Diabetes. Untreated diabetes involves damage to the nerves, including the vagus nerve, the only nerve that controls the stomach and intestines.
Step 4. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms
Some people don't even know that what's happening to them is caused by reflux. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Stomach ache. It is a sensation of heat and burning localized in the central part of the torso. It is usually felt in this area because the esophagus is located behind the heart.
- Increased saliva production. The body reacts to reflux symptoms by stimulating the salivary glands to increase their activity. Saliva is a natural antagonist of gastric acids.
- Need to clear the throat frequently. Throat clearing stimulates and strengthens the contraction of the muscles that control the valves of the esophagus. In this way the esophagus and mouth are protected from the rising acid bolus flow.
- Bitter taste in the mouth. In severe cases, reflux can reach the mouth. In these cases it involves a rather traumatic experience since it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Difficulty in swallowing. When the reflux escalates to the point that it spoils the inner lining of the esophagus, the patient will find it difficult to swallow. Such damage also makes the passage of food along the esophagus painful.
- Ruined teeth. Severe reflux that reaches the oral cavity considerably damages the teeth as well.
Advice
There is no food or food that cannot be considered a potential cause of reflux. It is suggested to each patient to draw up a list of foods that usually cause reflux in the subject or increase its symptoms and related discomfort
Warnings
- In the event of a rapid course of the disease with its aggravation, or difficulty in swallowing combined with an involuntary weight loss, consult a doctor immediately. These could be symptoms related to a tumor course.
- In older patients it is advisable to consult a doctor if heartburn occurs. In fact, in the elderly, heart attacks can also have heartburn as a symptom.
