Exercise and GERD

GERD is not just me putting my fingers on the wrong keys on the keyboard...GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease.  That's a mouthful so now you know why I typed GERD!  All kidding aside, if you suffer from heartburn and GERD you know that, depending on the severity of your symptoms, daily activities can be difficult.  If you have your symptoms under control, congratulations.  For those of you who still suffer daily, even with medication, can exercise help your symptoms?  Let's take a look.

First a little background on GERD.  Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up or refluxes) into the esophagus.  Unfortunately GERD can be a chronic condition and once it begins, it usually is life-long. If there is injury to the lining of the esophagus (esophagitis), this also is a chronic condition.  Once treatment for GERD is begun, therefore, it usually will need to be continued indefinitely although it is argued that in some patients with intermittent symptoms and no esophagitis, treatment can be intermittent and done only during symptomatic periods.  Treatment of GERD varies from person to person.  For some, dietary changes (i.e., avoiding foods that trigger GERD such as peppermint, alcohol, and caffeine) alone may suffice.  For others, prescription medication in combination with over-the-counter acid controllers are necessary.  In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.

Now that we know a little about GERD let's look at how exercise fits into the picture.  Studies have shown positive effects on the symptoms of GERD when adding exercise to daily routines.  Keeping exercise durations lower (i.e., 30 minutes at a time) and impact levels lower (i.e., walking, cycling, etc.) has also helped reduce symptoms.  Just because you suffer from symptoms of GERD doesn't mean you cannot exercise.  You will probably need to work with a fitness professional to find the modes of exercise that work best for you.

So let's say you haven't been exercising and need to lose weight AND suffer from GERD.  Where do you begin?  Are you stuck in the scenario that you need to lose weight to get GERD under control but you have difficulty exercising because of GERD symptoms?  You are not alone.  Unfortunately it will be a tough road for you to follow but NOT IMPOSSIBLE!!!  First of all, check with your health care practitioner to make sure you are physically ready to start an exercise program.  Explain to him/her that you are suffering from GERD during exercise or physical exertion and find out if a change in medication or dosage is necessary.  Explore all options before beginning your exercise program.  Next, meet with a fitness professional for a one-on-one consultation and describe your health history including symptoms of GERD.  Together, you should be able to make a plan for the type of exercise and duration that will work best for your condition.

Don't be stuck in the vicious cycle of not losing the weight because your symptoms of GERD are too painful.  Take action and take control of your health.  While GERD may not be totally eliminated by losing excess weight, symptoms should be lessened and more manageable.  It may just take a little longer to get that ball rolling!

Still need help?  Stop in at PROMATx Health Club and talk with one of our trainers and nutrition specialists to learn more about GERD and how exercise can help you control your symptoms.