Q: Is it necessary to maintain a healthy esophagus by using prescription drugs or is there a natural way to help prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD?
A: Throats are like mountains and sliding boards. It's much easier to have things go down them than to go up them. So, yes, we (as well as your spouse) would very much like you to avoid spewing fire across the table after you eat. These are the best steps to take for preventing GERD.
- Make your meals smaller
- Do not eat within three hours of bedtime
- Eliminate pepper, spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine
- Take two baby aspirins a day with a glass of warm water to help prevent esophageal cancer
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Stop smoking if you do
- Elevate your head six inches when lying on your back.
- Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter protein pump inhibitors, like Prilosec
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