And Then Theres Yoga For Acid Reflux Yes Yoga
Yoga acid reflux treatment for seniors
I saw CNNs program Chasing Life, in which its health expert Dr. Sanjay Gupta travels to countries where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives and tries to learn what enables them to do so.
In India, Dr. Gupta interviewed its prime minister, Narendra Modi, who practices and promotes yoga. During the interview, he demonstrated a yogic treatment for acid reflux.
Strange as it seems, this is it. All I can tell you is that Ive used it five times, four while lying on my side about to go to sleep, when I felt a reflux attack coming on. It worked.
My first try, I breathed three times, the second four, the third seven. The fourth time, I inhaled and exhaled about nine times.
I have no idea why this should have worked. But it did. Every time. Next time you feel an acid reflux attack coming on, give it a try.
Worst case, it wont work and you can pop an antacid as usual.
There are many approaches to yoga and heartburn on the Internet. Although I did a form of yoga over forty years ago, most of what Ive looked at is more yoga than I feel like doing these days. That doesnt mean you cant try them. It would be best to join a yoga group and get proper instruction.
Aging And Digestive Health: 6 Factors To Watch For
As you get older, new stomach symptoms as well as more serious digestive system disorders can crop up.
Your digestive system works hard every day to digest the food you consume. After years of this, you may start to see some changes in your digestive health.
Thats because aging, though it does not affect the digestive system the same way it does other organs in the body, is a risk factor for some issues, including colon cancer, acid reflux, stomach sensitivity to medications and a decreased absorption of some vitamins.
SEE ALSO: Tummy Trouble? Healthy Behaviors Can HelpThis is partially because as we grow older, our stomachs produce less acid. Without acids protection, hard-on-the-stomach medications, such as ibuprofen, may become harder to bear.
And just as the muscles throughout your body might tire more easily than they did in your 20s and 30s, the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus and bowel, can slow down. This often leads to increased symptoms, such as acid reflux or constipation, respectively, over age 65.
Heres more on what to watch for as you age.
Constipation
Our digestive system moves food through our bodies through a series of muscle contractions. As we age, this process can slow down.
Medication
The medicines we take to help with one physical problem can contribute to another.
Colon cancer
Diverticular disease
GERD
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux And Heartburn
Several endoscopic techniques are alternatives to surgical fundoplication for patients whose reflux is not satisfactorily managed by medical therapy.8 These include methods that provide thermal energy to the lower esophageal sphincter and others that serve to tighten the gastroesophageal valve area.
Heartburn in immunocompromised patients often indicates an esophageal infection with an opportunistic organism, such asCandida albicans, cytomegalovirus, or herpesvirus. Because most patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and esophagitis have candidiasis, an empirical course of antifungal therapy may be justified. Patients who do not respond to this approach, however, should almost always have endoscopy and biopsy so that more specific therapy can be instituted.
Richard E. Sampliner MD, in, 2010
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Not All Of Them Are Obvious
Feel like you just cant keep that nasty stuff in your belly from bubbling up into your throat? What youre experiencing might not be run-of-the-mill heartburn. It could be a case of gastroesophageal reflux diseaseGERD, for shorta condition that causes the acid and food in your stomach to rise into your esophagus, and sometimes even enter your mouth or lungs. GERD is far from rare: In fact, it occurs in 20 percent of the U.S. population, according to the medical journal Gastroenterology. But there are also several factors that make some people an easier target for the disease.
Everyone has a small, normal amount of gastroesophageal reflux, but an abnormal amount of acid reflux occurs when the one-way valve between the esophagus and the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter, becomes too loose, says Ketan Shah, M.D., gastroenterologist at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California. This can occur for multiple reasons that cause intra-abdominal pressure to be abnormally elevated, including being overweight or obese, frequent overeating, lying down too soon after eating, chronic straining or coughing, or chronic heavy lifting. These are typically the people who are more susceptible to GERD.
Heartburn won’t go away
Bitter taste
Trouble swallowing
Heart Attack Feeling
Coughing
Tags
You Have A Hiatal Hernia
Your heartburn can be caused from a hiatal hernia, which happens “when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest, facilitating back-flow of stomach acid into the esophagus,” Dr. Ivanina says.
In addition to heartburn, other symptoms of a hiatal hernia include, per the Cleveland Clinic:
- Bitteror sour taste in the back of the throat
- Bloatingand belching
- Discomfortor pain in the stomach or esophagus
This condition occurs more commonly in older adults â 60 percent of folks over age 60 have a hiatal hernia, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
But why? “It is believed that the size of the hernia increases with age, most likely with increased intra-abdominal pressure ,” Dr. Ivanina says. This pressure enlarges the diaphragmatic opening, pushing the stomach up into the chest, she explains.
âFix it: âThe following lifestyle changes can help limit heartburn associated with a hiatal hernia, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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Note That There Are Serious Risks Associated With Taking Ppis For Heartburn
The Government of Canada also warns that there is a possible association between the use of proton pump inhibitors and an increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
US Pharmacist states quotes a study byLambert AA, Lam JO, Paik JJ, et al. that found that outpatient PPI use is associated with a 1.5-fold increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia, with the highest risk within the first 30 days after initiation of therapy. PPI therapy also increases risk for hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia.
In addition to the above, there is evidence that PPIs can actually cause rebound symptoms. And that there can be a clinically meaningful increase in acid production, above pre-treatment levels, when treatment is stopped.
Be sure to discuss these issue with your doctor if he or she prescribes a PPI. And be sure to be checked regularly for these negative effects if you do need to stay on PPIs.
Acid Reflux Disease Q& a: When Is Heartburn More Than Just Uncomfortable
Everyone feels the sting of heartburn every now and then. But if you have a painful, burning sensation in your chest more often, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease .
GERD is also called acid reflux disease. The pain may start in your stomach and move up to the middle of your chest. You may even feel pain in your throat. About one or two out of 10 adults in the U.S. have GERD. Are you at risk? We asked one of our specialists, Lehigh Valley Health Network surgeon Scott Beman, MD, with LVPG General, Bariatric and Trauma Surgery, about risk factors for GERD.
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Tips For Improving Digestion As You Age
- Drink a lot of water. Our bodies need 3 liters of water every day for digestion. While this is true for people of all ages, staying hydrated is surely a good idea as you age.
- Monitor your intake of fats as they are hard to digest. If you have acid reflux, it is advisable to reduce your fat intake with age to make things easy for your digestive system.
- Exercise regularly and keep your weight in check. Research has shown that losing 10 to 15 pounds can reduce heartburn by 40%. Even simple exercises, such as cleaning up the yard or going for a walk can help.
Lose Weight Lose The Heartburn
Another study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that weight loss and elevating the head of the bed are the most effective lifestyle interventions for reducing heartburn.
Lauren Gerson, MD, MSc, director of the Esophageal and Small Bowel Disorders Center at Stanford University School of Medicine, and her colleagues, evaluated 16 clinical trials looking at the impact of lifestyle changes on heartburn, including:
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No Doubt My Heartburn Has Become Worse As Ive Aged
That little sphincter that lets food in and is supposed to keep stomach acid from leaking up into my esophagus has weakened over time. A long time. Im 84.
And sure, I do exercise, but no number of arm curls is going to strengthen that sphincter.
I can remember a little heartburn from time to time when I was younger. But theres no question, no matter how tempting they are, BBQd ribs and some other good stuff are off the menu now.
Heartburn Remedies: H2 Blockers
Also available over-the-counter, H2 blockers work differently than antacids. Rather than zapping acids after they appear, these medications lower the production of stomach acid. This can help prevent heartburn from acid reflux if taken about 30 minutes before meals. More powerful doses are available in prescription form.
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What Causes Acid Reflux All Of A Sudden
The leading theory is a relationship between the lower esophageal sphincter and stomach acids. As we age, this muscle becomes less efficient, which means it doesn’t close properly letting acid get up into the throat. Certain factors can make this worse, too smoking, for example, will affect how well your LES works.
Does Heartburn Get Worse As We Age
If you’re experiencing heartburn and acid reflux, you may be wondering if it’s just a part of getting old. After all, we often associate these symptoms with aging bodies that are not as resilient as they once were. But is this true? And what about those who don’t experience these symptoms until later in life?
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What Causes Heartburn In The First Place
Heartburn, the most common symptom of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux , occurs when stomach contents rise into the esophagus. Some acid reflux can be expected this can be caused by lifestyle factors like overeating and lying down after eating. In some cases, however, it’s a symptom of an underlying problem such as a hiatal hernia or a more severe condition like esophageal cancer.
Common Triggers For Acid Reflux
A little too much wine, BBQd ribs, a late-evening coffee and I know Im in for heartburn the moment I lie down to sleep.
The Mayo Clinic says some of the most common triggers for acid reflux are:
- Even taking a single salicylic acid tablet .
Although there are many common acid reflux triggers, everybody is different.
My son, who started having reflux a few years back when he was in his mid 50s, finds that tea is a trigger, as are some cookies, fatty fish like salmon and soya ice cream . And while he can tolerate a beer, red wine is out.
How about you? What are your reflux triggers?
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Small Changes Can Relieve Heartburn
Dietary changes can prevent heartburn. Avoiding fatty, spicy, or acidic foods can ease the symptoms of acid reflux.
If you experience worse heartburn at night, there are changes you can make. Try changing your sleeping position. A body pillow or sleep-positioning device can keep you on your left side and elevate your head.
S To Better Digestion As You Age
For many people, aging brings new digestive problems, such as constipation. These tips will help you to avoid these woes and have a healthy digestive tract as you get older.
As we get older, our bodies start to change including our ability to digest what we eat. A variety of age-related factors, including the medications you take, a sedentary lifestyle, and even tooth decay and gum disease could be taking a toll on healthy eating and healthy digestion. The result: the possibility of indigestion, constipation, diverticulitis, and ulcers. Here are nine ways to improve digestion as you age and keep your digestive tract on track.
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How To Get Heartburn Relief
Relieving heartburn symptoms can involve a few of the options below:
- âOver-the-counter medications:â Try antacids for immediate relief, H2 blockers for temporary reduction of acid and proton-pump inhibitors for longer-term reduction of stomach acid.
- âDiet changes:â Limit acidic, spicy, fatty and fried foods from your diet to see if heartburn symptoms improve. Avoid things like alcohol, caffeine, tomatoes and spices like chili pepper.
- âChange in sleep positions:â Sleeping with your head and neck slightly elevated can keep acid from coming up into your esophagus.
- âReduce stress:â Stress can aggravate heartburn symptoms. Try meditation, yoga or breathing exercises to help relax your mind and body.
What Are The Symptoms
Pain in the stomach is the most common symptom of gastric acid reflux disease and is referred to as “heart burn.” This pain is the result of acid stimulating nerves in the lower esophagus. It is important, of course, to make certain that the pain is not angina or heart pain. Cardiac pain often is the result of exercise or emotional upset heart burn is most common after eating or when lying down, especially at night after a big meal. Less common symptoms of gastric acid reflux disease include: coughing, nausea, wheezing and regurgitated fluid.
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What Are The Complications Associated With Heartburn
Occasional heartburn isnt typically a cause for concern. However, frequent heartburn may be a symptom of GERD. This condition may require treatment with prescription medication or surgery.
If left untreated, GERD may lead to additional health problems, such as an inflammation of the esophagus, which is called esophagitis, or Barretts esophagus, according to a 2018 review . Barretts esophagus causes changes in the lining of the esophagus that can increase your risk of esophageal cancer.
Long-term heartburn can also affect your quality of life. See your doctor to determine a course of treatment if you find it difficult to carry on your daily life or are severely limited in your activities due to heartburn.
Acid Reflux Care At Ceenta
If you have acid reflux concerns, schedule an appointment at CEENTA. Our doctors want to help treat this condition and relieve your symptoms no matter how old you are.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. Would you like an appointment with Dr. Kessler? Call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.
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How To Prevent Heartburn Or Manage Symptoms
If you have more than two episodes of heartburn a week, you should consult a doctor, as this could be indicative of GERD. This is especially true for men over 50, as there is a rare and serious condition known as Barretts esophagus that is correlated with cases of heartburn.
As you cant stop the process of aging, there are a few things you can do to ward off symptoms:
- Quit smoking completely.
- Lose weightweight gain is the number one contributor to heartburn or GERD across all age groups.
- Do not drink alcohol, or imbibe only moderately.
- Eat smaller meals.
Youre Taking Certain Medications
As your birthday candles pile up, your prescription medications can pile up, too.
“Polypharmacy is a well-known situation that people find themselves in as they get older,” Dr. Ivanina says.
That’s because certain chronic health conditions that require medication â such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure â become more common in old age. And while these medications may be essential for your good health, certain ones may aggravate acid reflux and result in heartburn.
“Some drugs initiate or exacerbate GERD symptoms by reducing LES pressure and muscular contractions of the esophagus or by irritating the esophagus ,” Dr. Ivanina says.
High blood pressure medications, antidepressants and opiates can also cause heartburn, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
âFix it: ââIt is important to make sure you discuss all your prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements with your doctor to make sure they are necessary and not leading to unwanted side effects,â Dr. Ivanina says. If your heartburn worsens, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a lower dose or alternate medication.
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How Is Heartburn Affected By Age
When it comes to how age affects your risk of acid reflux, the answer is pretty simple. Often heartburn can be caused by lifestyle choices overeating and drinking too much alcohol are two prime examples, but some people may find they begin experiencing symptoms later in life.
In general, older people are much less resilient than younger ones and have aging bodies that become more susceptible to GERD, so there is a likelihood of heartburn increasing with age.
Potential Effects Of Prolonged Acid Suppression
Prolonged acid suppression by Histamine H-2 receptor antagonists and PPI agents may potentially affect nutrient and calcium absorption, bacterial proliferation, and drug metabolism in the older patient. However, with adequate monitoring, long term maintenance with PPI agents remains quite safe in the elderly population .
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