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Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Also indexed as:Acid Reflux, GERD, Reflux
Put a freeze on frequent heartburn. Find out if GERD may be causing that uncomfortable burning sensation, then care for the symptoms. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Main Image

Related Topics

  1. Low-Carbohydrate Recipes
  2. Licorice
Put a freeze on frequent heartburn. Find out if GERD may be causing that uncomfortable burning sensation, then care for the symptoms. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Try a little licorice

    Support mucous-membrane healing by chewing 250 to 500 mg of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) before meals and bedtime.

  • Kick unhealthy habits

    Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol to ease irritation that could lead to cancer of the esophagus.

  • Uncover the irritants

    Experiment with your diet to find out what triggers the discomfort; high-fat foods, spicy foods, peppermint, spearmint, chocolate, and acidic beverages are all potential culprits.

  • Schedule your meals

    Avoid eating prior to exercise and right before bedtime to reduce symptoms.

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.
  • Slim down

    Aim for a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing GERD.

  • Don’t overdo alcohol

    Avoid excessive alcohol use that weakens the esophageal sphincter and increases the risk of GERD symptoms.

  • Address your stress

    To reduce the impact of stress on GERD risk, find a program that includes group counseling, instruction in coping skills, relaxation training, and other helpful techniques for stress reduction.

  • Keep your kid smoke-free

    Avoid exposing your infant child to secondhand smoke, as it has been linked with GERD.

  • Check your child for allergies

    See a health professional to find out if your infant child has allergies to milk or other proteins that can increase the risk of GERD.

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.
References

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.