Digestion, upper GI health

Preventative life style measures for healthy digestive system or gut

Patients may be advised to follow some life-style modifications as well care using medications including over-the counter medicines.

• Avoidance of NSAIDs as much as possible should not be restricted to prescription formulations only. For example, NSAIDs in the form of BC powder is taken people in the south for pain on the assumption that it is risk free. candy. Health care providers should try using acetaminophen as much as possible for pain instead of NSAIDs. If NSAIDs are needed, use the lowest possible dose and avoid multiple NSAIDs.
• Smoking increases gastric acidity and affects the gastroprotective mechanisms predisposing the patients to ulceration as well as GERD. Smoking cessation in addition to other systemic health benefits like reduction of cancer risk, may reduce dyspeptic symptoms as well as potentially prevent ulcers in some patients.
• Alcohol has direct toxic effects on the gastric mucosa and may lead to gastritis and even gastrointestinal bleeding in some cases. Excessive drinking also increases gastroesophageal reflux. Mixed drinks like bloody Mary, screw driver have components (tomato juice and orange juice etc) that have additional injurious effect on esophageal mucosa. Many after dinner drinks have in addition to alcohol sweetened cream etc leading to slower gastric emptying and more gastroesophageal reflux. Avoiding excess alcohol may help reduce dyspeptic symptoms as well as ulcers in otherwise predisposed individuals.
• Routine life style measures for GERD in addition to the above include avoiding large fatty, spicy meals especially at dinner, not going to bed for atleast 3 hours after supper, weigh reduction if overweight.
• Role of diet is frequently patient specific and may play a role in symptoms in some individuals with dyspepsia. Thus dietary modifications need to be individualized based on patient’s symptom triggers. Patients usually know the foods that trigger their symptoms and they should be asked to avoid them instead of looking for a treatment. Pharmaceutical therapy is not a good substitute for any particular food just because they “like that food” and “cannot give it up”.Patients suffering from recurrent peptic ulcer disease may benefit from eating complex carbohydrates, fresh fruit, vegetables and avoiding red and fried meats.

Comments

[Cheryl I.]

Would like to ask Dr. Minocha to review our Reflux Remedy Report. We would be happy to offer his picture and book or blog info to our page in exchange for a review. Thank-you. Please contact me through email given.

Cheryl I.

[kayla]

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