What is Reflux, What are the Symptoms of Reflux? Precautions Against Reflux

Anadolu Medical Center Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Melih Özel said, “Tobacco products, fat-rich and excessive nutrition, doing nothing to control weight increase the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease.”

According to scientific studies, about 7 percent of people experience a burning sensation in their esophagus every day. Stating that the rate of those who experience these symptoms at night is 36 percent, Anadolu Health Center Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Melih Özel said, “Tobacco products, fat-rich and excessive nutrition, doing nothing to control weight increase the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease.”

Stating that reflux has typical symptoms such as burning in the chest, bitter-sour stomach fluid in the mouth and chest pain, Anadolu Health Center Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Melih Özel said, “When various changes in the esophagus such as strictures, erosion and ulcers are added to these, the diagnosis of 'classical gastroesophageal reflux disease' is made.”

Smoking, inactivity and malnutrition cause reflux

Emphasizing that there is no single and common cause in the formation of the disease, Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Melih Özel said, “The reasons affecting reflux vary from person to person. However, the most important factor in the formation of gastroesophageal reflux disease is the deterioration of the functions of the relatively complex anatomical structure at the lower end of the esophagus, at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. The main reasons for reflux are advanced age, along with the use of more medications, obesity, gastric hernia, smoking, malnutrition and inactivity, and some problems related to the digestive system or of rheumatological and endocrinological origin.

Those with reflux symptoms should avoid tight clothing

Emphasizing that there are medical, endoscopic and surgical treatment methods of the disease, however, lifestyle changes constitute a very important aspect of the treatment. Dr. Melih Özel said, “If you use tobacco products, are rich in fat and overnourished, and if you do not do anything to control your weight, your risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease increases. A healthy and careful review of your habits or lifestyle significantly affects the frequency, severity and results of your reflux attacks. Emphasizing that avoiding tight clothes and choosing clothes that do not wrap the body, instead of wearing corsets, tight belts, and tight clothes, Prof. Dr. Melih Özel suggested, “Therefore, if you have a diagnosis of reflux disease or have reflux complaints, you can start with your clothes before applying to your doctor.”

prof. Dr. Melih Özel made 13 recommendations to patients with reflux complaints or diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease;

• Take care of a healthy diet. Eat less, do not skip meals, do not neglect snacks. Remember, vegetables can cause gas, but they usually don't increase your reflux.
• Reduce the amount of fat in your diet.
• Sugar and sweets can make you sad. Watch out for chocolate, mint, and cinnamon.
• Spices are important. Bitter food is good, but it can be your nightmare.
• Observe the effects of food and drink on you. If you have any that you know have touched you, it is good to consume them carefully.
• Avoid tomato juice, grapefruit juice, soda, carbonated drinks and caffeinated drinks.
• There is no such thing as "this food or this drink is good for reflux". Keep in mind that there is no food and beverage option that will cause you to change or interrupt your treatment.
• It will do more harm than good if you stop eating or drinking because you have reflux.
• Among the so-called “lifestyle changes”, pay attention to the factors we mentioned; Control your weight well and avoid very strict diets.
• Remember, the effects of foods on reflux symptoms are completely personal and it is useful not to generalize. It is very convenient to note which foods you have trouble with and exclude them from your diet. On the other hand, it would be more accurate to decide by trying small amounts of foods that you do not know the effect of, rather than leaving the list out from the beginning.
• Observe and note the effects by adding and subtracting the food components you use in the dishes you prepare one by one. After a while, you will have a database that will understand that you are more comfortable if you do not use which ingredients in which meals.
• Whether you're dining out, on vacation, traveling, or wherever you are, stay in control of your diet.
• Do not go to bed immediately after eating, relax your digestion with light movements until your sleep time.