Gerd acid reflux and pregnancy

Gerd Acid Reflux When Pregnant

Gerd Acid reflux can be more susceptible to the
pregnant and obese. The increased levels of hormones
during pregnancy and high levels of fats in the body
can induce acid reflux because of the pressure in the
lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that prevents
the stomach contents from moving back to the esophagus,
is reduced.

As such, it will be easier for the partially digested
contents to come back because less force is holding
them back down. In addition, for the pregnant women,
the pressure in the abdomen rises due to the developing
fetus in the womb.

There are ways to help the body minimize the occurrences
of gerd acid reflux. One of the easiest to implement is
positional therapy. This is done by elevating the head and
the torso when in a sleeping position.

Pillows, which are readily available, can be positioned
to raise the torso at about six to eight inches. This
position can provide maximum effectiveness in holding
back reflux. Surveys have shown that the use of
increased elevation results in more efficiently keeping
the acid in the stomach.

If you don't have one, you can find a nice wedge pillow
at Amazon.com. I like to shop there because they have
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Acid reflux and gerd - what helps?

It is nice that our body has its own mechanisms to
lessen the harmful effects brought about by the
refluxed acids when we have acid relfux and Gerd.

An example of such is the salivary glands found in the
mouth. These glands produce saliva, a liquid which
contains bicarbonate. When we swallow, the saliva
containing bicarbonates passes through the esophagus
and help neutralize the acids.

Bicarbonates have the ability to neutralize acids,
from the acid reflux, which may have remained after
an earlier regurgitation.

Day Time Reflux More Common

Also, studies have shown that most cases of reflux
happen during daytime. At this time, individuals are
usually in an upright position. With the aid of gravity,
reflux is minimized because the stomach contents are
held back down. Moreover, when awake, individuals
recurrently swallow. And this practice maximizes the
benefits that saliva does in reducing the level of
acids in the throat.

The mentioned natural ways of the body to protect itself
are important in the maintenance of the esophagus.
But saliva, swallowing, and gravity can only work when a
person is in an upright position.

During night time, when individuals are asleep, gravity
cannot help much. Acid reflux and Gerd seem to be magified.
Also, the saliva secretion is trimmed down and swallowing
does not take place.

Night Time Reflux

It is for these reasons why acid reflux which comes about
at night becomes more severe. It can become sore in the
esophagus because the acids stay longer and therefore do
more damage to it.

What Helps?

Watching what you eat and drink helps - an Acid Reflux diet.
So does sleeping on a wedge pillow at night so your upper
body is not level with your stomach.

Continue reading for some ideas about diet do's and dont's to
stop the situation. Next Read: Acid reflux diet suggestions