How to Manage GERD and Still Maintain an Enjoyable Lifestyle

GERD symptoms can be very painful and annoying. It can occur anytime and without any warning at the most unexpected places. What's even worse is that the chest pain experienced is similar to a heart attack, and it might even be a real heart attack.

When one is afflicted with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, your doctor's initial recommendation would be to change your diet and lifestyle. If these two factors adhere to food restrictions and recommended habits that can prevent reflux symptoms, chances are, your heart will also benefit from it. This would be the best way to manage gastroesophageal reflux disease aside from the prescription medicines that you need to take regularly.

In order to properly manage GERD, all you need to do is adhere to the following:

1. Eat a healthy diet that will also benefit your heart. For this purpose, you should consider certain dietary restrictions in order to be effective;

a. Not more than ten percent of saturated fat from the recommended calorie intake.

b. Maximum of thirty percent coming from fat based on suggested calorie consumption.

c. The dietary cholesterol should not be over 300 milligrams.

d. Sodium should be not more than 2,400 milligrams.

e. Consume the reasonable calorie level recommended by your doctor or dietician to maintain the ideal healthy weight at a reduced blood cholesterol level

2. Avoid foods that are known to trigger GERD. Included in the food groups are alcoholic beverages, coffee, tomato products, fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate, citrus fruits, sodas, vinegar, spices, mustard, garlic or onions. Consume a lot of safe to eat fish, lean meat, fruits and vegetables.

3. When eating during mealtime, limit food consumption into small portions in order to regulate the acid production in the stomach. This is highly advisable during dinner due to decreased nocturnal physical activities. Further, do not make it a habit to lie down after each meal. Instead,wait after the lapse of at least two hours, before lying down.

4. Maintain a record of all the foods consumed on a daily basis. It would be easier to track the food that may have triggered the onset of a GERD attack, if such a record exists.

There are a lot of food groups available in managing GERD. You can consult a healthcare provider or a nutrition specialist to have a variety of foods to choose from. This way, even if you are a GERD sufferer, and for as long as dietary and eating issues are properly addressed, you can still maintain an enjoyable lifestyle.