Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic condition that causes the acids from your stomach to frequently flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and symptoms like heartburn. Understanding the triggers of these symptoms can help you better manage the condition and prevent flare-ups. You can learn more about GERD and its treatment by contacting your local experts at Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK.

Lifestyle Triggers

Besides avoiding GERD triggers, you can make other lifestyle changes to reduce flare-ups, such as eating smaller meals but more frequently. Large meals can sometimes put too much pressure on the stomach, pushing acid into the esophagus.

Losing weight, especially around the abdomen, can also help reduce pressure on the stomach. Exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet can support your weight loss and help manage your GERD symptoms.

Eating meals before bed or lying down soon after eating can also cause acid to blow back into the esophagus, so when you eat, it is as important what you eat and how much.

GERD Triggers in Food

Certain foods can aggravate your GERD symptoms, and the most common are spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine and alcohol, and citrus fruits and juices. If hot and spicy foods, caffeine, or alcohol are contributing to your symptoms, it's best to reduce or eliminate them from your diet. For high-fat meals, you can opt for leaner proteins and healthier cooking methods. For example, You can switch to less acidic fruits like bananas or melons.

Treatment for GERD in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK

If you continue to experience GERD symptoms, it's important to schedule a consultation with your local team of gastroenterologists at Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, and Mat-Su Valley, AK, by dialing today. For this life-saving test, contact our Anchorage office at (907) 569-1333 or the Wasilla, AK, office at (907) 631-3578.