Exercises to strengthen lower esophageal sphincter?

I have GERD and want to find any exercises that can help strengthen the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, which everyone agrees is the root cause of the ailment.

Does anyone out there know of any exercises that work? Has anyone tried the Shaker Swallowing Rehabilitation Exercise which is used to strengthen the Upper Esophageal Sphincter in patients with swallowing disorders? (e.g. life flat on your back, lift only your head about 4 inches wihtou lifting shoulders and look at your toes - hold this for 1 minute, rest for 1 minute and then repeat two more times).

Thanks!!!

I've got fibromyalgia and I'd probably die from that exercise. Sometimes I wonder if my GERD isn't nerve damage from diabetes? I realize now I have had it for well over 4 years and just didn't realize it until it got really bad. Hope the exercises help you all.

Hugs,
Faye

Tucci,
You mentioned trying this exercise? Has it helped?

Simple Exercise Helps Tube-Fed Patients Return to Normal

Here's a link to the exercises, seem simple enough to try for most people.

Well, it's been a few months since finding out about this exercise....has anyone seen any improvement? I am going to try it...the website where exercise is found says that after six weeks there is significant improvement....let us know if it is working for anyone.

Danie....I agree with you 100%. I am doing what you are doing with the alkaline diet and no coffee, tea or sodas....I've lost some weight which isn't bad but I am still taking Prevacid. When I try to get off of it the reflux is so bad that I can't get through the rebound stage because it's so awful...I get scared that I'm doing alot of damage. How long did the rebound reflux last when you quit the Prilosec? I really want to be off the meds and take charge of this myself but it won't let me. The longest I've gone off the meds is 2 days without sypmptoms and then they come back with a vengeance. I'm really thinking of talking to my doctor about doing the Bard suturing procedure and hope that it is successful...it's the least invasive of all the procedures.

Certain foods are known to relax the spincter and allow stomach acid to back up. Chocolate is one of these. And fats may be another. Try to avoid these, especially 3-4 hours before bedtime. Also try not to over eat.

Here's some more information:

The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food. The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms:

1. Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.
2. Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux.
3. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.
4. Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
5. Eat small, frequent portions of food and snack if needed.
6. Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux.
7. Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.
8. The following foods aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided:
* fatty or fried foods
* peppermint and spearmint
* whole milk
* oils
* chocolate
* creamed foods or soups
* most fast foods
9. The following foods irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and may need to be limited or avoided:
* citrus fruits and juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato)
* coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
* caffeinated soft drinks
* tea
* other caffeinated beverages
10. Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated by some individuals.
Source http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtgs03.htm

Post Edited (Steve J) : 10/26/2006 8:00:27 PM (GMT-6)

Hi there Gozer, and welcome to healingwell. I would suggest that you start a post of your own to introduce yourself, and let people know you are here. Not everyone reads old posts. I am glad you have found a post that you can relate to, and I am glad you found us. This is a great place for information and support! I do hope you stick with us.

Another option to the licorice tea is to try DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) chewable tabs. DGL Ultra in german chocolate flavor from your local health store seems to work well for me. 20 mins before you eat--chew one. Give it a try.

Would be very interested to know if anyone has had success with the LES excercise. Seems simple enough--I am going to start and report in from time to time.

MM

I found these, I hope they are of some use

http://stroke.about.com/od/caregiverresources/qt/swallowxrcs.htm

Are there any excerise for the sphincter?

Do these yoga exercises it will be helpful for LES Lower Esophageal Sphincter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWblZunDk7Y

Exercise for sphincter muscle


1- Anxiety and stress contribute to the problem of the dysfunctional muscle ring. You should attempt meditation and relaxation techniques to reduce stress or anxiety.

Breathing techniques for stress and anxiety::
It’s preferable to stand up, count 5 seconds while taking a deep breath, inhaled and hold it for 5 seconds and exhaled very slowly.
Repeat 5 times in a row. Stop if you are feeling dizzy and try 3 seconds breathing instead of 5.

2- Visualizing techniques are proven beneficial to healing LES muscle.
It’s a controversial issue debated within the medical community just like hypnosis. Nevertheless, people using these techniques claims it works.
Imagery exercise:

i- space: you must find a place that gives you the sensation of well being. It could be outside somewhere at a park or inside your house. As long as you don’t get disturbed. This exercise should be done sitting or resting in a comfortable position.

ii- Next, do the breathing techniques as mention before to calm your mind and body.

3- script imagery guide for healing and relaxing:
Close your eyes and imagine waking through an enchanting forest on a beautiful hot summer day. While peacefully following a path through the forest, you could hear birds chanting and falling water.Through the sounds of waterfalls, you clearly hear waves of voices calling you from far away.
Mesmerized by these unfamiliar voices, you finally arrive at the end of the trail where the woods open up, and right in the middle of nowhere, stands this bewildering waterfall.
A majestic scene of colours, enlightens your eyes. Spell bound by this magnificent waterfall you decide to go under it. While golden light water trickles over your body, you notice a deep cut on one of your shoulders mysteriously disappears right before your eyes. You have suddenly discovered a powerful healing resource to cure your wounds. Unexpectedly, all your senses come alive as you start drinking the magical source. Within seconds, you could feel the tingling sensation of water passing through your food pipe slowly healing the inside of your stomach, a strange sensation of subtle and pleasing heat overwhelms your entire body while time stands still. You are now controlling the healing process, knowing you have the power to cure yourself.
Finally, you have reached a total state of euphoria.
Hours seem to have passed by and now its time for you to come back.
This place you have discovered, is your secret garden where you know you could come any time you desire to relax and heal yourself.

4- slowly reopen your eyes and try to keep the memory of this pleasant adventure.
Thank you for being here, and I hope this Guided imagery script gave you relaxation.