Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
The good news is that regular exercise can help control GERD symptoms. Here are eight effective exercises you can do to relieve GERD symptoms:.
1. Walking
Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help improve digestion and prevent acid reflux. Taking a 30-minute walk after meals can help speed up the digestive process and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Walking can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is essential for controlling GERD symptoms.
2. Yoga
Yoga is a gentle exercise that can help reduce stress and relieve GERD symptoms. Practicing yoga can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the muscles that support your digestive system.
Some yoga poses that can help relieve GERD symptoms include:.
- Bridge pose
- Seated forward bend
- Cobra pose
- Half spinal twist
3. Cycling
Cycling is a great cardiovascular exercise that can help improve digestion and reduce GERD symptoms. Cycling can help improve blood flow to your digestive system, which can speed up the digestive process and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Cycling can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is essential for controlling GERD symptoms.
4. Pilates
Pilates is a low-impact exercise that can help improve your core strength and alleviate GERD symptoms. Practicing Pilates can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support the muscles that support your digestive system.
Some Pilates exercises that can help relieve GERD symptoms include:.
- Rolling like a ball
- Swan dive
- Leg circles
- The hundred
5. Swimming
Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that can help reduce GERD symptoms. Swimming can help improve your cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and improve digestion. Some swimming strokes that can help relieve GERD symptoms include:.
- Freestyle
- Backstroke
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
6. Resistance training
Resistance training, also known as weightlifting, can help alleviate GERD symptoms by strengthening the muscles that support your digestive system. Resistance training can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy weight.
Some resistance training exercises that can help relieve GERD symptoms include:.
- Bicep curls
- Shoulder press
- Squats
- Deadlifts
7. Low-impact aerobics
Low-impact aerobics, such as Zumba or jazzercise, can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce GERD symptoms. Low-impact aerobics can help improve digestion by increasing blood flow to your digestive system and reducing stress.
Some low-impact aerobics exercises that can help relieve GERD symptoms include:.
- Low-impact dance moves
- Step aerobics
- Jumping jacks
- Aerobic walking
8. Stretching
Stretching can help alleviate GERD symptoms by improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and reducing stress. Some stretching exercises that can help relieve GERD symptoms include:.
- Neck stretches
- Shoulder stretches
- Hamstring stretches
- Spinal twists
GERD can be a debilitating condition, but regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall health. By incorporating these eight effective exercises into your routine, you can reduce GERD symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.