Also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), it is a chronic disorder that sends stomach contents to shoot back up into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakens and does not close properly to prevent food from going back into to the esophagus. Stomach acids can irritate and scar the esophagus, making this a chronic discomfort for many individuals.
Older adults who experience acid reflux can be assisted by our Adult Care Services in Massachusetts to ensure they get to sleep and avoid triggers that will activate the acid reflux.
Best practices for individuals experiencing GERD are listed below:
- Eat in moderation
Eating too much will not do your LES any good and it will only give you a bloated feeling and a hard time moving around when you feel stomach juices shooting up into your esophagus. Eat small portions just enough to help you not feel hungry but not feel very full. - Avoid spicy food
If you can feel your tongue burning from your spicy food selection, the same reaction can also happen in your stomach and further hasten the acid reflux condition. As much as possible, avoid eating spicy food and hot sauces since these will only activate your GERD. - Choose comfortable clothes
By not wearing tight pants or clothes, you are giving your body enough room to relax and breath. Tight clothes constrict your body and will only force stomach acids to go back up into the esophagus. Imagine a squeezed bottle filled with ketchup. If you constantly clasp it to the point of letting some of the ketchup out, you are doing the exact same thing to your body when you wear tight clothes. So choose comfortable clothes that give you enough room to not feel constricted. - Sleep elevated
Elevating your upper body can help keep stomach contents down and will surely give you a better feeling. Lying flat will move stomach contents around, a lot like when you tilt a water bottle on its side, the water sloshes around like your stomach liquids and can trigger vomiting sensations. - Monitor your triggers
As a senior Home Care Provider in Worcester, Massachusetts, we can monitor the food intake of your senior loved ones and ensure they avoid food triggers that will only stimulate their GERD. Carbonated and caffeinated drinks can be food triggers for some, but with our close monitoring and assistance, they can avoid these types of food in their diet.
Our healthcare professionals can teach best practices for individuals with GERD as long as our clients will also do their share in listening to our healthcare tips.
Share this healthcare blog from Prestige Health Care Services, Inc. to help out a friend or loved one experiencing acid reflux.
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