Esophageal reflux can be a hard diagnosis to live with as it comes with unpleasant side effects like burning in the chest or abdominal pain. Things that put you at higher risk for reflux are being overweight, diabetes, smoking, pregnancy and some other GI diagnoses. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the problem, but some other suggestions may be made including weight loss, dietary and other lifestyle changes. While exercise can help improve your symptoms and help with weight loss, it may also be making your reflux worse.
Running or other high impact exercises may cause stomach acid to rise into the esophagus and cause an increase in symptoms. Floor exercises like yoga or pilates require you to lay down at times which also worsens reflux. Don't let these two things slow you down on your way to a better you. Try low impact cardio training like a stationary bike or an elliptical machine. These workouts will help get your heart rate up but don't cause your stomach content to slosh around like high impact workouts do. Try to eat a snack about two hours before working out. This will help keep your blood sugar up and give you energy for the workout, but it also allows your stomach to be empty during your workout. Make sure you drink plenty of water during the day before your exercise so you are well hydrated. Drinking a large quantity of fluids quickly during or following a workout will not help your reflux.
Don't let reflux be what stands between you and a healthier life. If these tips are not helping your symptoms, talk with your doctor about medications that may improve your symptoms. The doctors at GI Associates in Jackson, Mississippi are always here to help you live a healthier life!
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