How can GERD be managed in older patients with the help of diet?
This article will focus on one of the most important aspects of managing health, especially for older people: dietary management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This article will focus on the understanding of the topic and the need to make dietary adjustments. It will also explore specific foods that may alleviate symptoms. You should be able to manage GERD better through diet by the time you finish reading this article.
Dietary Management and GERD
Diet is a vital part of managing GERD, particularly in older patients. According to research , 10- 20% westerners suffer from GERD. The prevalence increases with age. It can have a significant impact on quality of life and, if untreated, may result in more serious complications, such as Barrett's Esophagus or esophageal Ulcers.
GERD symptoms can be significantly reduced by dietary changes. According to a study in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, adopting a Mediterranean-style plant-based diet and drinking alkaline-water can help manage reflux symptoms as effectively as medications. It also has fewer side-effects than long-term use of medication.
Get Started with Dietary changes
Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet. The doctor can give personalized advice based upon the severity of GERD, overall health and lifestyle. There are some general guidelines, such as avoiding fatty food, caffeine, alcohol and spices which may cause symptoms. According to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, weight loss as well as elevating your head while sleeping can help reduce GERD symptoms.
Example Dietary Strategies for the Management of GERD
- They are rich in fiber and help maintain a healthy digestive system.
- Fruits and vegetables are essential to a Mediterranean diet, which has shown effectiveness in treating GERD.
- Fish and chicken skinless are lower in acidity than fatty meats.
- Water with alkaline pH: It can reduce reflux symptoms and neutralize acid in the stomach.
- Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities and can be used to soothe stomach pain.
- Oatmeal is a good source of fibre, which helps with digestion and reduces symptoms.
- Aloe Vera Juice: According to some studies , it may help soothe the esophagus.
- Melons, apples, bananas and other fruits that do not contain citrus are the least likely to cause reflux.
- Healthy Fats: Nuts and avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which are less likely than saturated fats to cause symptoms.
- Probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt and kefir, which help to maintain gut health by balancing stomach acid.
More Tips and Suggestions
In addition to the dietary modifications mentioned, you can also benefit from eating smaller meals all day long instead of 3 large ones. The pressure from large meals may cause reflux. To prevent symptoms at night, patients should avoid eating for 2-3 hours prior to bedtime. According to a recent study in Obesity Review, regular exercise is important for weight control, and this helps in managing GERD symptoms.
Conclusion
Managing GERD with dietary modifications is a very effective way to manage GERD. This involves changing eating habits, adopting healthy eating patterns, and including specific foods that are beneficial. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's responses may differ, and it is possible for what one person responds well with, not to work at all for someone else. These dietary strategies must be followed under the supervision of healthcare professionals. These guidelines can help elderly patients improve their lives by effectively managing GERD symptoms.
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