Submitted by Illinois Bariatric Center
Heartburn is a very common condition. In fact, many people simply accept heartburn as a normal consequence of eating! The pharmaceutical industry is certainly benefitting from those who seek relief for the burning, uncomfortable sensation. According to Consumer Reports, prescription medication for heartburn is one of the highest-selling classes of drugs in the U.S., and there is a plethora of over-the-counter pills available as well. It is estimated that over 30 million adults take these drugs!
Heartburn is nothing to worry about if it only occurs once or twice a week. Frequent heartburn should not be ignored as it is the most common symptom of acid reflux and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to serious health problems including damage to the esophagus. Medications can do a good job of relieving the symptoms of heartburn, but there are questions about their safety and a concern that long-term use of medications may lead to other health issues. Moreover, medication does not address the root cause of the problem.
Acid reflux happens when the ring of muscles between the esophagus and stomach does not work properly. The muscle opens to let food into the stomach, but if it doesn’t close properly, then the stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus. Medications reduce the amount of acid that the stomach makes, but they don’t do anything to solve the underlying problem. Suppressing stomach acid over a long period of time can often lead to a different set of health issues. There is a new method that has recently been approved by the FDA for treating acid reflux. This method, called the LINX System, is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that addresses the root cause of acid reflux rather than just masking the symptoms.
If you suffer from frequent heartburn, try making some of the following lifestyle changes first and see if symptoms are reduced.
Avoid the following foods and drinks:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Carbonated drinks
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Peppermint and spearmint
- Spicy or fatty foods
- Full-fat dairy products
- Tomatoes and tomato sauces
Change your eating habits by making the following adjustments:
- Avoid bending over or exercising just after eating.
- Avoid eating within two to three hours of bedtime.
- Eat smaller meals.
Other lifestyle changes to alleviate heartburn:
- Avoid tight-fitting belts or clothes.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Sleep with your head raised about six inches. Place books, bricks, or blocks under the legs at the head of your bed. Sleeping on extra pillows does not work well.
- Stop smoking.
- Reduce stress. Try yoga, tai chi, or meditation to help relax.
If symptoms do not improve by employing these natural remedies, then be sure to see your health care professional. Frequent heartburn should not be ignored!
For more information on the LINX system for acid reflux, the ORBERA™ Managed Weight Loss Program or LAP-BAND® surgery, you may contact Dr. Sidney Rohrscheib at the Illinois Bariatric Center at 217-935-7037. Illinois Bariatric Center is one of the few practices in Central Illinois that is qualified to offer the non-surgical LINX and ORBERA systems.