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GERD (Take Control of Your Acid Reflux)

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You should be able to enjoy every day celebrations and social functions even if you have GERD. At Accredited Care we take pride in promoting awareness about a variety of health issues.

living with GERD photo

What is GERD?

If you or someone you love suffers with GERD these facts and information could prove helpful. Lifestyle changes are an excellent way to control your symptoms and Accredited in home care can help.

 

  • Definition of GERD – This definition of GERD by The Mayo Clinic explains the health issue clearly. Also known as acid reflux, it is a health issue that can greatly affect quality of life at any age.
  • Medications – The medications used to treat acid reflux can include both over the counter (OTC) and pharmaceutical drugs. The typical medications are called PPI’s and H2 Inhibitors.
  • Visual – This visual shows you what happens when you deal with heartburn and acid reflux.
  • Lifestyle Changes – Diet is one of the most important factors associated with acid reflux. This blog by a gastroenterology center offers excellent insight to the type of diet & lifestyle changes that can make a difference if you have GERD. Professional information provided by professionals who deal with these types of problems on a daily basis.
  • A Common Problem – According to the American Physiological Society over 60 million Americans suffer from symptoms of GERD at least once a month.

Tips for Living With GERD

It can be difficult for anyone to eat healthy. However, if you suffer from acid reflux you find that every day can be a challenge. These tips may help keep you from suffering the many discomforts associated with eating during holidays, celebrations, and beyond.

  1. Avoid Smoking – Tobacco products can cause aggravation of the symptoms associated with acid reflux.
  2. Diet – Be aware of the foods that cause your acid reflux to act up. This list provides more information on diet restrictions that can help.
  3. Drinks – Acidic drinks such as wine and fruit juices can present problems. Other drinks to avoid include colas, hot cocoa (chocolate), drinks flavored with peppermint, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol.
  4. Avoid Large Meals – Eating smaller, more frequent meals will help decreasing the risk of aggravating your acid reflux. Eating 3 large meals a day is less desirable than eating smaller, more frequent meals.

Risk Factors for GERD

According to the Mayo Clinic[1], these things could put you in a higher risk category for suffering GERD symptoms:

  • Being Overweight
  • Having a Hiatal Hernia
  • Being Pregnant
  • Delayed Stomach Emptying
  • Diabetes
  • High Stress (often resulting in stomach ulcers)
  • Scleroderma
  • Suffering from Dry Mouth (often a result of certain medications)
  • Smoking
  • Asthma

How Accredited Home Care Can Help

Nobody can guarantee that you won’t suffer from GERD. It’s important to take precautions to reduce the risk factors of acid reflux regularly occurring. We can help.

  • Meal Preparation – Let us help you with preparing healthier meals with controlled portions. We can also prepare regular snacks to access throughout the day so you are more likely to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
  • Medication Reminders – We can offer in home care at your convenience. Part of our in home caregiving services can include regular reminders for medication that is prescribed to you by your doctor to help control your acid reflux.
  • Surgery Aftercare – There are some instances of acid reflux that could require surgery; including if you have a Hiatal hernia. If you end up having surgery, we can help you during recovery.
  • Light Housekeeping & Errands – You may have a hectic lifestyle that is stressing you out. Perhaps keeping your house up like you want, getting to your appointments, and everyday tasks are becoming too much for you as you age. We can come to your home in the areas we service in California and help you with daily tasks. Having an extra set of hands can help reduce the stress that could be causing an upset stomach and acid reflux issues.

Let us help. We want to make sure you are informed about the health risks involved if you are experiencing acid reflux more often. There are health risks and damage that can occur if GERD is left untreated.

Our home health services may be the option you need for taking control of your GERD and living the life you deserve.

 

[1] Mayo Clinic Website – GERD Basics “Risk Factors”

 

Photo by skyfaller