Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) accounts for at least 9 million office visits to physicians with Chronic heartburn as the most common symptom.
There are innumerable causes for complaint of GERD symptoms one of them being an individual’s body weight. It seems obvious that extra weight puts pressure on the abdomen. This increases the risk that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach — tends to relax when it shouldn’t.
Another possible explanation is that people with a higher body weight may eat more fat, which is a well-known GERD trigger.
Obesity vs. GERD
There’s strong evidence that if you’re obese, participating in a structured weight loss program can help ease symptoms of GERD.
Women with a BMI (weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) greater than 30 — have triple the risk of GERD symptoms, like heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Those with a BMI of 21 to 25 — exhibit the likelihood of developing GERD. Women who started out with a normal body weight, but later faced an increase in BMI of more than 3.5 are associated with nearly triple the risk of experiencing frequent GERD symptoms.
According to scientists’ people with GERD whose body weight is ideal shouldn’t try to lose weight. But if you’ve gained weight and noticed an increase in your symptoms, you may be able to reverse this situation by losing the weight again.
Losing weight is one of the best lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce heartburn, as well as your risk for other health complications. If you have GERD, make sure you stick with your treatment plan to avoid esophageal damage. Talk to your gastroenterologist if your condition fails to improve despite your best weight loss efforts.
Tips to Manage GERD & Lose Weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat smaller meals
- Don’t eat less than 2 hours before lying down
- Elevate the head of your bed 6-10 inches with a foam wedge
- Eat slowly
- Avoid trigger foods (such as spicy, high-fat foods)
The digestive system is the core of our physiology. It’s the bridge between the food we consume and the nutrients we absorb for daily functioning. Deficiency in this physiological core will result in deficiencies in the rest of our bodies.
By addressing digestive problems you’ll,
- Sleep better
- Have more energy
- Experience less cravings
- Improve focus
- Boost your metabolic rate
- Expedite weight-loss.
Get your stomach acid levels tested, as the first step towards restoring balance to your body and getting those weight-loss results you’ve always wanted.