Many people are all-too familiar with acid reflux and how it can potentially affect us. We know the classic symptoms of indigestion and “heartburn” (GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease). Some of us experience less common symptoms that affect the throat, such as chronic cough, throat clearing, hoarseness, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and post-nasal drip (LPR or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease).

Long-Term Medication Use — Is It Safe?

Many of us have great success in treating our symptoms with medication that allows us to eat a less “strict” reflux diet. We would rather medicate than risk the consequences of getting esophageal cancer or stomach ulcers – both possible complications of GERD. But for how long can we take these medications? Is it safe for us to use them long-term?

The answer is no. Over time, reflux medication can reduce the body’s ability to absorb calcium and magnesium — minerals important for bone density. Though many of these drugs have been in use for more than 20 years, we are learning that a lifetime of use can affect us negatively and is not recommended. To understand the alternative, it may help to look more closely at the causes of acid reflux.

Diet and Stress Contribute to Acid Reflux

The prevalence of acid reflux is on the rise. This increase in symptoms can be attributed to many things: our diet, food preservatives and additives, and stress. Processed foods and fast foods (with the high fat and sodium content) are terrible for our systems and big contributors to acid reflux.

We also live in a more stressful society today. Financial, job, and relationship stress, as well as threats of violence to our nation, have risen significantly. Stress increases our stomach acid. This excess acid can cause stomach ulcers or can rise into our throat, causing symptoms affecting our upper respiratory system. Rarely do we take our time when eating a meal. Breakfast is running out the door on the way to work, lunch is eaten standing up, and dinner is fast or late.

Strategies for Treatment Without Medication

What can we do? You may be surprised at how many of us can get off or reduce the medications we depend on to control our acid reflux. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

• Learn to slow down, and adopt such stress-relieving techniques as exercise, yoga, or meditation;
• Eat smaller meals and take time to eat slowly;
• Cut down on or avoid highly acidic foods and drinks, such as chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, and tomatoes;
• Cut down on fast food and processed foods, sodas, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty and fried foods;
• Avoid eating late at night.

Try these strategies for two weeks and see how you feel. Ultimately, permanent lifestyle changes are our best hope for successfully managing acid reflux symptoms.

Note: If you continue to have a problem with acid reflux, consult your gastrointestinal (GI) specialist and your ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to evaluate your stomach and throat and make sure acid reflux has not caused you harm over time.

To find an excellent doctor who is right for you, please call our Physician Referral Service at 866.804.1007.