Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the Elderly: Living Seniors with GERD

Living with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) isn’t easy. Our lives focus on eating; whether for social functions or simply sustaining life. assisted living can be helpful in facing some of the challenges of GERD. Senior Living Experts hopes that this information is helpful in living a quality filled life while dealing with the symptoms of GERD.

Make Living with GERD Easier

Because diet and lifestyle changes are one of the biggest ways to change the effects of GERD, Senior Living Experts can help with finding senior living that offers meal preparation, professional dieticians, and other resources to help address living with GERD.There are a number of ways to help make living with GERD easier.

• Diet – It’s important to recognize common foods to avoid if you have acid reflux. Avoiding foods that can cause heartburn and acid reflux is the best way to decrease symptoms associated with GERD.
• Medications – The medications available to treat the symptoms of GERD include H2 receptor blockers and PPI’s (Proton Pump Inhibitors). They are available both by prescription and over the counter (OTC).
• Acupuncture – It has been shown that acupuncture can help alleviate the symptoms of GERD in some people. The art of acupuncture has been an alternative healing method that has been used for thousands of years.

Medication Free/Natural Suggested Remedies

• Manuka Honey – This video from Dr. Oz addresses acid reflux and in particular suggests using manuka honey as a natural remedy. We’ve actually seen positive results with some people who have used manuka honey to combat digestive problems and acid reflux.It is suggested to begin with 1-2 tablespoons a day and slowly reduce that until you no longer have daily problems. Some of the people we know who have used this are now off of PPI’s typically use to combat GERD. You can also use the manuka honey as you would an antacid (1/4 to 1 teaspoon after eating something that causes heartburn discomfort).
• Diet – WebMD offers a free, printable diet log to help you keep track of foods, when they are eaten, and how they affect your stomach. Keeping a log can be helpful in eating a diet that will be less likely to cause symptoms to occur.
• Weight Control – Excess weight can have a big impact on GERD. This video with Dr. Balistreri offers more information on how your weight can play an important role in controlling GERD symptoms.
• Sleep Positions – When lying down it is important to elevate your upper body in order to help deter the acids of your stomach from coming up through your esophagus or throat. Anytime you are in a lying position you will want to place your upper body higher than your stomach

Symptoms & Side Effects of GERD

There are a number of side effects from suffering with GERD. Many of these side effects can be life altering and cause permanent health problems.

1. Vitamin Deficiency – There is research that points to vitamin deficiencies can come from continuous use of some medications. CBS News presented more information about vitamin deficiencies associated with GERD.
2. Stomach Problems – Commonly used medications, both over the counter and pharmaceutical, have been connected to causing a bacteria that causes diarrhea. It's not uncommon to have diarrhea as a symptom of GERD.
3. Throat Burn Reflux – A burning sensation or sore throat can be a side effect of GERD. This discomfort in the throat is referred to as “throat burn.” This short video by Dr. Aviv shares more information about throat burn.
4. Bad Breath – You may find that if you suffer from acid reflux or frequent heartburn symptoms that you are more prone to bad breath.

Senior Living Experts wants to make a difference in your everyday quality of life. We hope that if you are living with GERD these tips and ideas will help you have better control over the symptoms.

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