Recommendations Against Reflux

Recommendations Against Reflux According to scientific studies, approximately 7 percent of people experience a burning sensation in the esophagus every day. Anadolu Health Center Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Melih Özel, noting that the rate of those experiencing these symptoms at night is 36 percent, stated: "Tobacco products, high-fat diet and overeating, and doing nothing to control weight increase the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease." Anadolu Health Center Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Melih Özel, noting the typical symptoms of reflux such as chest burning, acidic gastric fluid coming into the mouth, and chest pain, explained: "When these are added to various changes that occur in the esophagus such as strictures, erosion and ulcers, the diagnosis of 'classic gastroesophageal reflux disease' is made."

Smoking, inactivity and poor diet cause reflux

Emphasizing that there is no single common cause in the development of the disease, Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Melih Özel stated: "The factors affecting reflux vary from person to person. However, the most important element in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease is the dysfunction of relatively complex anatomical structures at the lower end of the esophagus, at the junction between the esophagus and stomach. Advanced age and associated increased medication use, obesity, hiatal hernias, smoking, poor diet and inactivity as lifestyle-related risks, as well as certain conditions of digestive, rheumatological or endocrinological origin can be counted among the main causes of reflux," he stated.

Those with reflux symptoms should avoid tight clothing

Emphasizing that the disease has medical, endoscopic and surgical treatment methods, but that lifestyle changes form a very important dimension of treatment, Prof. Dr. Melih Özel stated: "If you use tobacco products, eat high-fat and excessive amounts of food, and do nothing to control your weight, your risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease increases. A healthy and careful review of your habits or lifestyle will significantly affect the frequency, severity and consequences of your reflux attacks," he said. Highlighting that staying away from tight clothing and preferring loose-fitting, non-constricting garments rather than wearing corsets, tight belts and tight clothes provides great benefit to reflux patients, Prof. Dr. Melih Özel suggested: "For this reason, if you have been diagnosed with reflux disease or have reflux complaints, you can start with your clothing before consulting your doctor."

Prof. Dr. Melih Özel made 13 recommendations to patients with reflux complaints or diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease:

• Pay attention to healthy eating. Eat small amounts, do not skip meals, do not neglect snacks. Remember, vegetables can cause gas but generally do not increase your reflux. • Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. • Sugar and sweets may upset you. Be careful with chocolate, mint and cinnamon. • Spices matter. Spicy food is delicious but can be your nighttime nightmare. • Observe the effects of food and beverages on you. If there are things you know affect you, it is worthwhile to consume them carefully. • Avoid tomato juice, grapefruit juice, carbonated and fizzy drinks and beverages containing caffeine. • There is no such thing as "this food or that beverage is good for reflux." Do not forget that there is no food or beverage option that will cause you to change or stop your treatment. • Do not deprive yourself of food and drink by saying "I have reflux." This will do more harm than good. • Pay attention to the factors mentioned among the arrangements called "lifestyle changes"; control your weight well and stay away from very strict and tight diets. • Remember, the effects of foods on reflux symptoms are completely personal and it is best not to generalize. Keeping track of which foods cause you problems and keeping these foods out of your diet is a very appropriate method. On the other hand, rather than excluding foods from the list from the start without knowing their effects, it would be more correct to decide by trying them in small amounts. • In the meals you prepare, add and remove food ingredients one by one and observe and note their effects. After a while you will have a database showing which ingredients in which dishes allow you to feel more comfortable without using them. • When eating out, on vacation, traveling, wherever you are, do not lose control of your diet. • Do not lie down immediately after eating; until bedtime, facilitate your digestion with light movements.