Questions from a newbie on lifestyle, diet and triggers

Hi

 

I have recently been diagnosed with GERD and despite reading everything I can find on it I am still confused about some things and would really appreciate some advice:

 

1. Is reflux worst when lying down? Or does it happen lots when sitting/standing too? If it’s worst lying down does that mean I can eat reflux causing foods all day long as long as I stop a few hours before lying down? J
2. What’s the most important lifestyle change to make? I know there are lots  recommended, but if I was slack and only did some then what to do – diet, exercise, not lying down after meals etc?
3. How do I figure out my triggers when I don’t get my heartburn? My main symptom is a sore throat, and I’m not sure how long it is before eating a trigger-food and then getting the sore throat – any ideas?

 

Thanks in advance

Sienna

Hi, this is such an idiosyncratic disease...it effects everybody differently. Through trial and error you will find out what triggers reflux and what inhibits it. Sometimes it will go away for awhile and then it returns. I've given up coffee, tea, sodas, spicy food, alcohol and just eat an alkaline diet almost 100% and I will still have reflux day or night because my LES is weak.

I personally do not want to take the prescription meds for this disease so I try all natural alternatives: DGL will soothe and create a mucus to heal the esophagus. I recently tried something called Heartburn Free with orange extract at the health store. It works quite well and you take it every other day. Some people say that apple cider vinegar works for them...it's all very personal.

Recently, I have been trying the Shaker exercise to strengthen the LES muscle at the top of stomach. I'll try anything to beat this. You can find it on one of the posts.

If you take charge of this, you find what works for you because everyone is different.
The posts on this site will help you alot and help you explore other treatments. Good luck to you.