People who lie down must be careful; lying down after eating causes GERD!

Nowadays, the term "lazy people" often appears as a lifestyle that refers to people who tend to be lazy or not physically active. One of his activities is often lying down after eating. Unfortunately, one of the dangerous causes of this habit is that it can result in increased pressure in the stomach so that food and gastric juices can rise back up into the esophagus, resulting in an increased risk of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

What is GERD?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. The increase in stomach acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus. (source: detikhealth)

The Rebahan: Lifestyle and Risk of GERD

• Sedentarization and GERD: Most bedridden people tend to spend hours in a sitting or lying position. This may reduce physical activity, which has been linked to an increased risk of GERD.
• Eating Patterns and Lying Down Habits: Consuming heavy meals before bed and lying down immediately after eating can increase pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which can trigger acid reflux. (source: kompas.com)

The habit of lying down after eating has the potential to trigger the following conditions:

• Increased stomach acid: According to Healthline, the habit of lying down after eating can trigger an increase in stomach acid and cause discomfort. This is more likely to happen if you suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
• Disrupts sleep quality: Reflux symptoms can cause discomfort in the chest and a bitter taste in the mouth. Therefore, if we eat too much or consume foods that trigger heartburn close to bedtime at night, then the quality of sleep also has the potential to be disrupted. Insomnia can also occur if we consume caffeine in coffee, tea, or chocolate at dinner time and close to bedtime. Because caffeine blocks adenosine, a chemical that causes drowsiness, (source: kompas.com)

Overcoming the habit of lying down requires self-awareness and a commitment to making changes. Here are some tips that might help:

• Move and Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, playing sports, or active recreation, has great benefits for health. This activity can improve muscle and cardiorespiratory fitness, bone health, and the immune system.
• Enough Rest: Make sure you get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can cause fatigue and make you more likely to lie down.
• Eliminate Distractions: Identify factors that make you lie down, such as distracting gadgets or entertainment. Reduce the time spent on these things.
• Create a Supportive Environment: Make sure your surrounding environment supports productivity. A clean and organized workplace can help reduce the tendency to lie down. (source: Ministry of Health)

The habit of lying down does create comfort, but we need to pay attention to the health effects of this lifestyle. Let's understand the risk of GERD due to sleeping after eating so that people can take proactive steps to minimize the risk and maintain their digestive health. GERD needs to be treated early to prevent complications. If your GERD condition is very disturbing with intense symptoms that do not improve, immediately consult a specialist in internal medicine.