Archived health tips
How to prevent gastric reflux
On special occasions, it is not unusual to overeat. Unfortunately, “heartburn” is
sometimes there to remind us that moderation is always a better option. In fact,
an estimated 29 percent of Canadians suffer from occasional bouts of gastric reflux.
What exactly is gastric reflux?
During the digestion process, the stomach produces a type of acid that breaks down
food into a paste. While this acid is harmless for the stomach, it can be damaging
to other tissues. If, for instance, the contents of the stomach back up into the
esophagus, it will cause a burning sensation from the stomach, radiating upward
to the throat.
How to prevent gastric reflux?
If you tend to suffer from gastric reflux, you may want to adopt the following preventive
measures:
- Avoid irritating foods and beverages (tea, coffee, alcohol, cola, chocolate, tomatoes,
tomato juice, citrus fruit and juices, onions, garlic, mint, fatty or spicy dishes).
- Eat smaller, lighter, more frequent meals.
- Eat slowly and chew your food well.
- After eating, wait at least three hours before lying down.
- Avoid wearing clothing that fit snugly around the waist.
- Raise the head of your bed approximately 15 cm (6 inches) to sleep.
Treating acid reflux and heartburn
- Alginates (Gaviscon®) form a protective barrier that keeps acid
from splashing back into the esophagus. Available over the counter.
- Antacids (Maalox®) work by neutralizing stomach acid. Available
over the counter.
- H2 receptor antagonists (Pepcid®, Zantac®) reduce the stomach’s
production of acid. Available over the counter.
- Proton pump inhibitors (Losec®, Pantoloc®, Nexium®, Prevacid®,
Pariet®) are similar to H2 receptor antagonists, but they are more powerful. Available
by prescription.
Not sure which hearlburn medication will best work for you? Just ask your pharmacist
for advice!
Pharmacy services
Whenever you need information on an over-the-counter drug, its related precautions,
dosage and side effects, remember that you can always consult
your family pharmacist!
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