5 Habits That Make GERD Symptoms Worse

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that affects more than a quarter of Americans. While many people confuse GERD with heartburn, heartburn is actually one of several symptoms associated with GERD, along with chest pain, regurgitation, hoarseness, and swallowing issues.

GERD happens when food and acids back up or reflux into your esophagus instead of remaining in your stomach. Without treatment, GERD’s chronic symptoms can interfere with sleeping and eating while taking a toll on your quality of life. Over time, GERD can cause changes in your esophagus, increasing your risk of esophageal cancer.

At Digestive Disease Specialists in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf, Iowa, our team offers advanced therapies to manage GERD and prevent complications, including simple lifestyle changes to improve the digestive process and reduce GERD symptoms. 

Below, read about five common habits you might want to kick in order to find much-needed relief.

1. Indulging in large meals

Eating large meals expands your stomach, placing additional backward pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the strong muscle that normally prevents food and acids from flowing back into your esophagus. 

Not surprisingly, that added pressure can lead to acid reflux and painful heartburn. Symptoms can be even worse if you eat close to bedtime or recline following a meal.

2. Consuming fatty or fried foods

The size of your meals isn’t all that matters. What you eat can increase your risk of GERD symptoms too. Fried foods and foods high in fat content take longer to digest, meaning they stay in your stomach longer and can prolong your symptoms. These foods also act on your LES, relaxing it so reflux is more likely.

3. Smoking

The chemicals in tobacco smoke irritate your stomach, increasing acid production and leading to a higher risk of irritation and reflux. Over time, smoking weakens your LES muscle, increasing the likelihood that stomach acids and undigested foods will flow backward, causing painful GERD symptoms and increasing your risk of permanent esophageal damage.

4. Eating or drinking trigger foods

Fried or fatty foods aren’t the only foods that can trigger symptoms. Caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, alcohol, tomatoes, and spicy foods can be especially problematic. Since GERD affects people differently, it’s a good idea to keep track of your personal triggers and try to avoid them when you can.

5. Wearing tight or restrictive clothing

Maintaining a clear pathway for digestion keeps foods moving in the right direction and prevents foods and acids from backing up into your esophagus. 

Wearing clothing that restricts your belly or waist area, like tight waistbands, tummy slimmers, or belts, impedes this pathway and increases your risk of reflux. The same is true of tight pajamas that can interfere with digestion while you sleep. 

Lifestyle changes combined with over-the-counter antacid products may temporarily relieve your symptoms of GERD, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to skip medical treatment. Without proper care, GERD can lead to serious complications, including permanent esophageal damage and cancer.

To learn how we can help you manage your GERD symptoms and maintain good digestive health, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.