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Approximately 20% of the population in the United States experiences acid reflux, heartburn symptoms and around 60% of adults experience some form of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms weekly.

Acid reflux and heartburn are common conditions affecting adults and children, but acid reflux and heartburn happen more often due to aging. 

In infants, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is relatively common and often called “spitting up.” Approximately 50% of healthy infants experience some degree of GER during their first three months. The majority of these cases resolve on their own without medical intervention by the age of 1.

In older children and adolescents, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can occur, which is a more severe and chronic form of acid reflux. The prevalence of GERD in children is estimated to be around 2-8% of the pediatric population. 

Managing Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD

You can manage Acid reflux and heartburn with lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, over-the-counter or prescription medications, and alternative healing. Here are some strategies to help you manage these conditions:

Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD Lifestyle Changes

• • Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on your stomach, leading to acid reflux. Aim for a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
  • Elevate your upper body: Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches; this helps keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing: Tight clothes can put pressure on your abdomen and worsen acid reflux symptoms.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increases acid reflux risk.
  • Manage stress: Stress can worsen acid reflux. To manage stress, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
  • Alternative Healing: Reflexology

Managing Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD Dietary Adjustments

• • Eat smaller and more frequent meals: Large meals can trigger acid reflux. Instead, eat well-balanced meals throughout the day.
  • Avoid trigger foods: Common triggers include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, fatty or fried foods, chocolate, mint, and caffeine, and avoid them.
  • Limit alcohol and carbonated beverages: These can relax the LES and contribute to acid reflux.
  • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly: This aids digestion and reduces the likelihood of reflux.
  • Maintain an upright posture while eating: Avoid lying down or reclining immediately after meals.

Heartburn, Acid Reflux, GERD Medications

• • Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids can provide temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
  • H2 blockers: These medications, such as ranitidine or famotidine, reduce the production of stomach acid and provide longer-lasting relief.
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Prescription-strength PPIs like omeprazole or esomeprazole can significantly reduce stomach acid production, used for more severe cases.

Suggested Helpful to prevent Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD changes

• • Avoid lying down for at least two to three hours after eating.
  • Sleep on your left side, as it can reduce acid reflux symptoms.
  • Raise the head of your bed if nighttime symptoms persist.
  • Consider weight loss programs, if necessary, to achieve a healthy weight.

Reflexology Disclaimer

Reflexology does not replace traditional medicine. (Please check with your doctor if you have any concerns.) Reflexology can help achieve good health. However, you still have to do your part by maintaining good health through a healthy diet, exercising, recognizing your stress triggers, and minimizing or eliminating destructive behaviors.