Common Signs Of GERD & What You Can Do About It

Digestion GERD Gut Health Probiotics

A group of asians waiting for public transport on the sidewalk.

Did you know that 13.4% of Malaysians experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? [1]

GERD is a chronic condition of your stomach acid frequently flowing back into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. [2] This constant acid reflux can cause many troublesome symptoms and damage to the esophagus in the long run.

Signs & Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of GERD include [2]:

  • A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  • Sensation of a lump in your throat

If you have nighttime acid reflux, you might also experience:

  • Chronic cough
  • Laryngitis (an inflammation of your voice box due to overuse, irritation or infection)
  • New or worsening asthma
  • Disrupted sleep
Asian girl experiencing regurgitation from acid reflux.

    Treatment

    GERD can be treated by managing the symptoms and here are some things that you can do. [3]

    1. Diet And Lifestyle Changes

    • Eat slower, smaller meals
    • Eat at least 2 hours before sleep
    • Lose weight if needed
    • Avoid nicotine, alcohol and caffeine
    • Avoid high fat foods

    2. Taking Medications

    • Antacids and H2 blockers can help to deplete acids.
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) block certain acidifying protons and may also heal damaged stomach lining.
    • Unfortunately, PPIs are linked with increased risk of other adverse effects: osteoporotic-related fractures, Clostridium difficile infection, community-acquired pneumonia, vitamin B12 deficiency, kidney disease, and dementia. [4] 

    3. Taking Probiotics

    • Probiotics are a type of good bacteria found in the digestive tract. They are important for digestive health and immune function. [5]
    • A meta-analysis found that 79% of studies about probiotics and the effects on GERD symptoms concluded that probiotics helped to reduce the symptoms of GERD, including reduced regurgitation and decreased heartburn. [6]
    • In another 12-week study, combining heartburn medication with probiotics reduced the risk of treatment relapse, compared with a control group that only got heartburn medication. [7]

    Probiotics are available at SM Health Care Sdn Bhd.

     

    Bio-Life A.B. Adult Gold Pre & Probiotics displayed on a dining table beside a plant

     

    BiO-LiFE A.B. Adult Gold Pre & Pro

    • Contains 10 Billion CFU Probiotics
      - Lactobacillus plantarum LP01: 60.00mg
      - Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12: 133.33mg
      - Inulin-Oligofructose Powder: 2271.00mg (derived from Chicory Root) providing Inulin-Oligofructose: 2089.32mg
    • Adding prebiotics to probiotics can boost the survival of probiotics, making sure they arrive to the digestive tract alive and well.
    • Also improves bowel movement, promotes better absorption of vitamins and minerals, and boosts immunity.
    • No preservatives, artificial colours and flavours.
    • Available in 3 sizes.

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