Gastroesophageal reflux affects 25% of Italians: "heat worsens symptoms", here is the decalogue

You can, but especially in the summer, in a certain sense, you “must”: it is a disease that afflicts many Italians on vacation , and if properly treated, can be limited or at least save the vacation. It is possible to reduce the risk that the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux worsen in the summer and not only , by following a series of tips and precautions. Here is the decalogue. The head of the Operating Unit of Functional Diseases of the Esophagus and Colon-Rectum of the Buon Consiglio Fatebenefratelli Hospital in Naples summarized them in ten simple points, on the occasion of the second congress 'Hot Topics in Functional Digestive Surgery Meeting ', promoted by the Hospital and the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (SIUCP), underway in Naples.

Stomach ache (pexel)

First: control your body weight The first piece of advice is to control your body weight: "if you are overweight, weight loss is a fundamental first step to alleviate reflux", says Adolfo Renzi, head of the Unit. Then the expert recommends moderating meals: "opt for small and frequent meals instead of binges, and eat slowly. This helps reduce the pressure on the stomach", he suggests. The third piece of advice is to avoid "no" foods: " reduce the consumption of fatty or fried foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, raw onion, garlic, chocolate, mint, coffee, black tea, carbonated drinks, alcohol, aged cheeses, sausages and hot spices, as they can trigger or worsen the symptoms", underlines Renzi.

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Prefer "light" foods Another suggestion is to prefer "yes" foods : "include in your diet lightly dressed pasta and rice, lean meats, white fish, cooked vegetables, non-acidic fruit, toasted bread, rusks, unsalted crackers, skimmed milk and low-fat yogurt (in moderation)," explains Renzi. The fifth tip is not to lie down immediately after eating: " maintain an upright posture for at least 2-3 hours after meals to prevent the contents of the stomach from rising ," says the expert. And then he continues: "Raise the head of the bed: if the symptoms worsen at night, raising the head of the bed can help prevent reflux at night."

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Hydrate (perhaps obvious but "necessary") The seventh tip is to stay hydrated: "drink plenty of water to aid digestion and balance stomach acids, especially in the summer when dehydration can increase acidity," says Renzi. In addition, the expert recommends limiting carbonated drinks and alcohol, which can worsen acid reflux. Renzi also recommends avoiding clothes that are too tight: garments that are too tight at the waist can increase abdominal pressure, promoting reflux.

Finally, it is recommended to consult your doctor before taking the drugs. "If necessary, proton pump inhibitors are effective, but they should be taken only under medical supervision. If symptoms are severe or persist, contact a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment," concludes Renzi.

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Debates among experts "However, determining the appropriate indications and limits for these interventions remains a topic of intense debate among specialists."

Particular attention will be paid to gastroesophageal reflux. "This disorder - says Renzi - occurs in the presence of alterations in the functionality of the cardia (the valve between the esophagus and the stomach) and a hiatal hernia, a condition in which a part of the stomach rises through the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the thorax from the abdomen, into the space normally occupied only by the esophagus. Even poor nutrition and obesity increase abdominal pressure, facilitating reflux".

The role of summer heat Summer heat can exacerbate reflux symptoms in several ways. "First of all by promoting dehydration - the expert emphasizes - an insufficient water intake leads to a reduced dilution of gastric acids, increasing their acidity. Added to this are changes in eating habits: in summer we tend to consume more spicy, oily and cold foods, which can trigger acid reflux. High temperatures can also slow down digestion, causing bloating and acidity. Finally, with increased sweating and loss of electrolytes, the functionality of the stomach can be compromised, causing an accumulation of acid".