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) Wake Gastroenterology Offers Free Tips on Preventing Acid Reflux
Sufferers of regular or seasonal acid reflux will find the information helpful in reducing episodes of heartburn. "Acid reflux can be a serious discomfort, and we don’t want it to hamper people’s enjoyment of the holiday season," says Dr. Marc Hershelman of Wake Gastroenterology. "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness Week is a great time to get people’s attention about this topic. These tips are simple things that anyone can do to reduce their chances of experiencing heartburn." The tips include information on recognizing the signs of acid reflux, typical causes, and triggers that can bring on an attack. There is a list of foods to avoid, foods to eat in moderation, and foods to enjoy without fear of heartburn. About Wake Gastroenterology: Wake Gastroenterology, a division of Wake Internal Medicine Consultants, Inc., has been providing gastrointestinal specialty services to the Triangle area for nearly 50 years. The practice’s four board certified clinical gastroenterologists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract including, but not limited to, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, reflux disease, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Wake Gastroenterology services include a North Carolina state certified laboratory, endoscopy, CT scan, ultrasound, and infusion therapy. More>> - (
) The Cider Vinegar Heartburn Cure?
The "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy" nutrition column in today's Health section explores ways to manage heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD through altering your diet. Losing weight and identifying those foods that seem to trigger your heartburn (and then avoiding those foods) are the prime tips offered by dietitian Elaine Magee, author of Tell Me What to Eat if I Have Acid Reflux.One remedy that doesn't appear in Magee's book is the apple cider vinegar cure, which has been circulating in home- and folk-medicine circles for decades and more recently has found a presence on the Internet. My friend Elizabeth, who, like me, has GERD but who, unlike me, prefers to manage it without taking a lot of medicine, got wind of this apple cider thing via a syndicated newspaper column written by Dr. More>>
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) Guidelines Bypass Endoscopic Cancer Screening for Chronic GERD
Recommendation of antireflux surgery for patients with an esophageal GERD syndrome responsive to acid suppressive therapy, but who cannot tolerate therapy. Empirical trial of twice-daily PPI therapy for patients with suspected reflux chest pain syndrome after carefully considering cardiac causes.The only other supported recommendations with grade B, fair evidence to support improved outcomes, included:
Weight loss for overweight or obese patients with esophageal GERD syndromes. Lifestyle modification including elevation of the head of the bed for selected patients, avoiding late meals and specific foods or activities tailored to the circumstances of the patient. Twice-daily PPI therapy for esophageal syndrome patients with an inadequate response to once-daily therapy. More>>
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) LifeCoach: Our experts answer questions
A: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd) or acid reflux disease occurs when the valve which separates the stomach and the tube leading into it (the oesophagus), does not close properly and allows acid from the stomach to back up into the oesophagus causing the burning sensation known as heartburn. Avoid trigger foods such as spicy meals, high fat or acidic foods (such as citrus fruits and tomatoes), caffeine and chocolate. Alcohol and excessive amounts of vitamin C from supplements can also stimulate gastric acid secretion, making symptoms worse, as do fizzy drinks. Also avoid large meals, especially at bedtime: don’t lie down for an hour after meals and try not to eat or drink for two to three hours before going to bed. It is better to have smaller meals throughout the day and to eat slowly. More>>