夜雨聆风is not the most frustrating thing. At this point, don't panic. Try turning your body to the left and lying down, combined with the key physical defense action of "raising your upper body". You can use the power of gravity to feel the sourness subside in just one minute.
Why can sleeping on the left side reduce acid reflux?
Don't doubt this method just because it seems simple! This is actually closely related to the structure of the human body:
Why sleep on the left side: According to the Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Academic Foundation, when the body lies on the right side, the relative position of the stomach is higher than that of the esophagus. Once the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes, stomach acid is easily leaked upwards. Lying on the left side instead can help stabilize stomach acid in a lower position.
How to create a "golden acid resistant ramp": This refers to a height bump that does not involve stuffing 3 or 4 pillows too much and bending the neck, as it can actually cause extreme discomfort in the shoulders and neck. Dr. Wu Wenjie shared that the correct approach is to place 2-3 pillows behind the neck, and additionally use cotton to place them under the back, creating a gentle slope for the entire upper body, and firmly locking stomach acid in the stomach through gravity. Next, with the "sleeping on the left side" principle, there is a chance to alleviate the discomfort caused by gastroesophageal reflux!
Frequently Asked Questions about Gastroesophageal Reflux FAQ
Faced with the national disease of gastroesophageal reflux, many people have lingering doubts and misconceptions in their hearts. We have specially compiled common core issues, broken down by authoritative medical perspectives, to help you no longer blindly worry and protect your own and your family's health with the correct knowledge.
Q1: Do I have to take medication for gastroesophageal reflux?
Answer: Not necessarily. Gastroesophageal reflux does not necessarily require constant medication or surgery, but gastroenterologist Li Yilin reminds us not to ignore the serious consequences that long-term gastroesophageal reflux may bring. We should still improve our lifestyle as soon as possible or seek medical treatment.
Q2: Is eating baking soda cookies or chewing gum really effective?
Answer: Pharmacist Shi Yangzhe explained that eating baking soda cookies can slightly neutralize stomach acid through alkaline foods; Chewing gum can promote fluid secretion, help dilute stomach acid, and slightly relieve discomfort.
Q3: Will long-term gastroesophageal reflux turn into esophageal cancer?
Answer: There is indeed this risk, which cannot be ignored. Dr. Li Yilin reminds that long-term gastroesophageal reflux may cause Barrett's esophagus, causing esophageal epithelial cells to transform into gastric like epithelial cells in order to resist gastric acid stimulation, while also increasing the risk of cancer.
Q4: Why does obesity or wearing tight clothing worsen gastroesophageal reflux?
Answer: Because these factors can cause excessive pressure inside the abdomen, pushing stomach acid upwards.
