Best treatments to stomach acid reflux

Q: My doctor says that I have GERD and has put me on medication that reduces my stomach acid. What else can I do to stop the pain and nausea that I feel after eating? — Greg T., Moline, Illinois

A: GERD requires prompt and effective treatment. It can increase your risk for ulcers in the lining of the esophagus, difficulty swallowing, and cancer; trigger breathing problems, sore throat and coughing; and affect voice quality. This happens when the flap at the end of your esophagus doesn’t close tightly after you swallow food or liquid, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus.

For most folks with GERD, prescription and overthe-counter proton pump inhibitors are the go-to remedy. The American Gastroenterological Association guidelines say PPIS should be taken at the lowest dose and for the shortest amount of time possible.

Non-prescription H2 blockers (Pepcid and Zantac, for example) also reduce stomach acid, but they can interfere with other medications and you shouldn’t take them if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or with certain medical conditions.

Q: Since I started a high-pressure job last year, my belly has gotten bigger and bigger. I don’t think I’m eating any more than I did, maybe even less because I have less time in the day. What is going on? And how can I reverse it? — Stephanie R., Jacksonville, Florida

A: You have brought up a problem that affects millions of Americans — the accumulation of metabolically active fat that builds up in your torso, blanketing the liver, kidney, pancreas, intestines and stomach. This visceral fat causes chronic inflammation and increases your risk of everything from metabolic syndrome, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke to dementia, asthma, and precancerous intestinal polyps.

You may accumulate visceral fat from a diet loaded with ultra-processed foods, sugars and syrups, and lack of physical activity. But one major cause that often gets overlooked is stress. That’s why you may be seeing your belly expand even if your calorie count hasn’t. Chronic stress promotes belly fat because it floods your body with the hormone cortisol — which elevates your blood sugar, increasing insulin production and insulin resistance. It also alters your metabolism.

Try eating more soluble dietary fiber, and vombine a fiber-rich diet with physical activity.