Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a disease that occurs when stomach acid/bile continually rushes back into the food pipe lining or esophagus. When this happens, your esophagus could become irritated by this disease, also known as chronic Acid Reflux.
Today, GERD is a prevalent disease. According to a recent study, 20% of the U.S. population has this disease. While acid reflux can affect people of all ages, studies reveal that you’re most likely to experience it if you’re 40 years older. If you’re currently experiencing GERD, the good news is that You can control it with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) medication – a good example is Omeprazole.
Focusing only on GERD diets and avoiding confident & too snacks are a few other ways to reduce the discomforts associated with this disease.
What does “focusing on GERD diet” mean?
Focusing on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease diets means you should only consider eating foods that don’t cause acid reflux in the food pipe lining.
By following this preventive measure, you won’t only be reducing the strain on the muscular tube that allows the passage of food to the stomach. In addition, you’ll also get to reduce the rate at which food moves directly to your intestines from the stomach. It will also assist you in boosting the stomach acid.
Speaking of GERD diets, one essential item you need to focus on is “fiber.” According to studies, dietary fiber, which you can easily find in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, is effective in keeping your bowel movements in good order. It does that by assisting you in controlling your digestive system.
Acid reflux & heartburn: Snack ideas for you
As mentioned earlier, avoiding too much snack consumption is an excellent way to reduce the discomfort that comes with chronic acid reflux or GERD. It doesn’t have to be snacking alone. Even if you consume too much food at one time, you’re most certainly going to increase the effect of acid reflux.
If you’re going to eat snacks, you need to be selective to avoid triggering the symptoms of GERD. In addition, you should also avoid eating the selected snacks pretty close to your bedtime.
- Nuts, Seeds, or Trail Mix
Avoid high-fat yogurt bits, chocolate, and dried citrus fruit when selecting your trail mix. Instead, you can add nuts and seeds to your list. One good way to introduce them is by mixing them properly into your cereal.
- Whole grain crackers
To avoid triggering the symptoms of acid reflux, you can top your grain crackers with low-fat cheeses and lean meat.
- Apples & peanut butter
Furthermore, you can also go for sliced apples. You can top this fruit with your favorite peanut butter.
- Whole wheat toast plus jam combination
When picking your jam, ensure to avoid citrus-based products. If you need to spread butter below your jam, go for low-fat butter.
- Smoothie
You can make smoothies with varieties of fruits. However, to avoid acid reflux symptoms, you need to stay away from citrus fruits. Instead, you can choose a mix of banana, strawberry, and low-fat yogurt.
- Veggie Sticks With Hummus
For your ‘veggie sticks with a hummus combo, you can try combining broccoli, carrot, sweet peppers, and cucumber with red pepper hummus.
Acid reflux & heartburn: Omeprazole
- Importance of Omeprazole
As mentioned earlier, Omeprazole is an effective acid reflux medication. You can use it to manage excessive stomach acid conditions, such as GERD, stomach ulcer (non-cancerous), active duodenal ulcer, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Omeprazole, which you can find in Ashcroft Pharmacy, is a prescription-based proton pump inhibitor. The drug helps to stop pumps, which produce excessive stomach acids.
Omeprazole is an easy-to-take pill that provides temporary GERD relief. It is an effective medication for indigestion and heartburn treatment at home. However, you need to understand that it has side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach ache.
To avoid these side effects and other adverse effects, make sure to keep your doctor or pharmacist aware of any allergies you may have.
- Direction of use
Omeprazole, available in capsule form, is a 2-strength GERD medication. You can find it in 10 mg and 20 mg. A capsule (preferably 20 mg) is enough for a day. You’ll get the desired result by swallowing the pill (not chewing or breaking it).
