It is sometimes said that Heartburn and Gerd are two sides of the same coin. Heartburn it the irritable burning sensation we sometimes feel after eating. Most of us experience an occasional bout of heartburn. Certain foods can sometimes trigger the heartburn or simply not chewing your food adequately can also trigger an attack of heartburn.
Gerd (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or Acid reflux is an actual malfunctioning of the digestive process that causes the sensation of heartburn. It can be a long term or chronic digestive disorder. It is important to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of Gerd with your doctor. Before contemplating Weight Loss Surgery it is important to let the Surgeon know if you have frequent symptoms of heartburn or if you have been diagnosed with Acid Reflux/Gerd.
Our food travels down the esophagus and into our stomach where it is met with digestive juices to break it down. There is a muscle shaped like a ring called the lower esophageal sphincter which is designed to seal the top of the stomach. When the seal does not perform its task adequately and partially digested food moves back into the esophagus this often causes uncomfortable burning and irritation.
Two of the most common causes of acid reflux are overeating and under chewing of our foods. When our food is inadequately chewed it fails to mix adequately with the digestive juices and stomach acid. The poorly chewed foods tend to stay in the stomach longer and can force the acid mixed food back up into the esophagus. Over time the repeated occurrence of acid reflux can damage the delicate tissue of the esophagus.
Chronic acid reflux can also be exacerbated by eating large meals and eating close to bedtime. Large meals can often spill or reflux back into the lower esophagus. Lying down soon after a meal increases the likelihood that the acid mixed food will reflux into the esophagus. It is considered very important to reduce the size of your meal and to wait at least two hours after eating before lying down.
There are some common conditions that can increase the odds of heartburn:
*Smoking
*Hiatal Hernia
*Obesity
*Alcohol Consumption
*Pregnancy
Two of the most common causes of acid reflux are overeating and under chewing of our foods. When our food is inadequately chewed it fails to mix adequately with the digestive juices and stomach acid. The poorly chewed foods tend to stay in the stomach longer and can force the acid mixed food back up into the esophagus. Over time the repeated occurrence of acid reflux can damage the delicate tissue of the esophagus. If you are considering weight loss surgery remember that Gerd affect different options for Bariatric surgery and may require treatment after surgery. But certain precautions such as making sure you chew your food can be very effective!
For more information on Gastric Sleeve and other weight loss surgical questions, please call BeLiteWeight today!
