Question
I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Answer
Taking care of your GERD is like calming your inner volcano. Let's get that stomach acid eruption under better control!
Even though you can't link your symptoms with specific foods, it may be time to take a look at your habits and change. Little changes here and there can add up and make you feel better.
Here are some things to think about:
- If you're a smoker, stop smoking.
- Avoid or at least limit triggers like chocolate [sorry!], caffeine [coffee, tea, soda], alcohol, citrus, sour/acid foods, fatty foods [cheese, nuts, red meat], spicy foods, carbonated drinks, garlic, spearmint. Add things back in small amounts and slowly to see what triggers the GERD eruptions for you. These are the usual suspects in the GERD/heartburn line-up. Talk with your provider about whether or not other foods may be causing inflammation.
- Eat small meals. Sit down and eat slowly.
- Reduce stress. Stress effects our body in many ways - one of them is cranking open the acid faucet. Try to find balance between work and play. Make time for you. If you feel like you are too busy to take a break, then you REALLY need to make a pause in your day just for you.
- After you eat, wait two to three hours before laying down.
- Talk with your doctor. Consider getting checked for H. pylori germs, which can kick up the acid in your stomach.
GERD can be a signal to us that something's out of balance: whether it's work, sleep, what we eat, or if we are moving enough throughout the day. It can be a yellow flag about our wellness overall. It's great that you are paying attention and want to find a more lasting solution to your health.
Good luck!