INDIGESTION - Lifestyle Changes - CompleatMother.com

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Indigestion: Lifestyle Changes

Making adjustments to your lifestyle can help provide relief from indigestion, acid reflux and GERD. Quitting the use of tobacco products can help relieve symptoms. Also it is recommended that you change your diet in a way that will

prevent heartburn, the main symptom of indigestion. There are many diets to choose from that will help you in the battle against this disease. A vegetarian diet of live foods only will be most beneficial. You could also choose a vegan diet, adding just chicken and fish if you must have meat. There are also macrobiotic diets that will help in your battle. It is also well known that obesity is a contributing factor to acid reflux and GERD. Losing weight, not overeating, and cutting out alcohol and caffeine can make heartburn less likely to occur.

Fasting for twenty four hours, taking only liquids such as apple juice or herb teas may help the digestive tract to recover from indigestion caused by overeating or an excess of rich foods. Spells of indigestion lasting longer then twenty four hours require a consultation with a medical professional though.

Sleep problems resulting from acid reflux or GERD can be lessened by not lying down within 3 hours of eating and by raising the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches. In other words one must eat right, develop good sleeping habits and exercise. All these things will help in reducing the risk of developing these diseases.

Exercise is very important for the prevention of indigestion, acid reflux and GERD. It is exercising that helps to keep your weight in control. It also helps keep the blood flowing, which helps to keep the immune system strong. There are lots of exercises to choose from that will help. There are low impact exercises like walking, swimming, bicycling and light jogging. You could also try aerobics and palates. For you more adventurous types there is canoeing and the martial arts like Karate and kick boxing. The important thing is that you keep your body moving. You must keep in shape.

Although making changes to your lifestyle probably will not cure your indigestion, acid reflux or GERD, they can provide relief from symptoms and make you more comfortable. Heartburn, the main symptom of indigestion, acid reflux and GERD, can cause significant pain and discomfort during your daily activites, keeping you from being productive at work and from leading an active life at home. Changes to your lifestyle that reduce indigestion, acid reflux and GERD symptoms can help you stay focused at your job and make other activities more enjoyable. In addition to discomfort during the day, indigestion, acid reflex and GERD symptoms can keep you awake at night and can affect your sleep in the long term. Changing your sleeping position and habits can help you avoid GERD symptoms at night, allowing you to sleep better.

Indigestion, acid reflux and GERD symptoms that go untreated or persist despite treatment can turn into more serious problems. These persistent symptoms can cause irritation, inflammation, or wearing away (erosion) of the lining of the esophagus (esophagitis), as well as craterlike sores (ulcers) in the lining of the esophagus. Some people who have symptoms of GERD may develop a condition called Barrett's esophagus that can lead to cancer of the esophagus. A change in lifestyle is very beneficial in the fight against this disease.

Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.