DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Q: Will Exercise Make My Heartburn Worse?

A: You expect to feel some sort of ‘burn’ when you go to the gym to work out, but not in your chest or throat! Heartburn or acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when acid and digestive juices flow backward into your esophagus causing irritation and a burning pain in the chest. This is one of the most common conditions we see in our office. While I encourage my patients to work out, some exercises can actually stimulate GERD.

Here are some general tips: To Eat or Not to Eat?

Avoid working out on a full stomach. Stomach contents stimulate digestive juices which can easily find their way up into your esophagus as you change body positions during routine.

To Drink or Not to Drink?

It is essential that you are well hydrated both before AND after a vigorous exercise session. Because liquids, unlike solids, empty from the stomach so quickly, they do not stimulate digestive juices to a significant degree.

Are certain exercises worse for GERD than others?

Crunches, leg lifts and certain yoga poses can be a GERD trigger. Any exercise that results in bending over or stopping can bring on heartburn. Many GERD sufferers have figured this out on their own and simply avoid these routines. The medical term for this is called common sense!

Finally, if you are experiencing heartburn during exercise, we can help. Some simple lifestyle changes, or a medication, may allow you to crunch with gusto. For your convenience you may request an appointment on our website www.cdhohio.com Center for Digestive Health 34940 Ridge Rd. #B Willoughby, OH 44094 (440) 953-1899 www.cdhwilloughby.com

Michael Kirsch, MD, FACP