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Time to read 3 min
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in older adults.
Managing it can be more complex due to age-related changes in digestion, coexisting medical conditions, and medication interactions.Â
Seniors need a personalized approach to reduce symptoms while avoiding risks.
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As we age, the muscles of the esophagus and stomach may weaken.
This slows digestion and makes GERD in seniors more likely.
Seniors are also more likely to take medications for blood pressure or heart drugs that can relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
Fiber supports digestion, but too much at once can trigger reflux in some people.
Especially if the fiber is insoluble.
Seniors should add fiber gradually and choose gentler sources like cooked vegetables over raw ones.
These are often prescribed for GERD but could lead to side effects in older adults. Some people have nutrient malabsorption or increased risk of certain infections.Â
Doctors may recommend the lowest effective dose or periodic breaks.
If you taken medication for any of the following, they make worsen your acid reflux.
Seniors should have a comprehensive medication review to ensure no drug is making symptoms worse.
Before going with a medication, you can make lifestyle changes. Here are some ideas:
These may help reduce the reliance you have on drugs.
Managing GERD in seniors requires a balance in your lifestyle to control your symptoms safely. Diet and medication are ey.
If you focus on gentle, nutrient-rich foods, while also managing your meal timing, you should be able to improve your comfort and quality of life and avoid the heartburn pain as much as possible.
With Claisen, you can skip the gambling of random medications or quick over-the-counter fixes.
Get a tailored, science-backed guidance to address the root cause of your bloating and gas.
You might not even need a medication!
Seniors with GERD need gentle, low-acid diets and smaller, more frequent meals.
Avoid eating 2–3 hours before bedtime and stay upright after meals.
Medications like PPIs and H2 blockers can help but should be used at the lowest effective dose to reduce risks.
A medication review is important to spot drugs that may worsen reflux.
The best treatment for GERD in seniors combines diet changes tailored to your specific body, lifestyle changes, and medications as advised by your doctor. For a truly personalized approach that avoids the trial-and-error of random meds, check out Claisen. You stop guessing, get an FDA-approved, science-backed plan, and see results without the hassle.
Common recommendations include eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, avoiding trigger foods, staying upright for at least 2–3 hours after eating, losing excess weight, elevating the head of the bed, and avoiding tight waistbands.
A severe GERD diet focuses on low-acid, low-fat, and easy-to-digest foods like oatmeal, lean poultry, bananas, cooked vegetables, and whole grains. Always avoid citrus, tomato products, coffee, fried foods, and chocolate.
H2 blockers (like famotidine) are often considered safer for long-term use than proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but all medications should be reviewed regularly with a doctor to avoid side effects and interactions.
There’s no set timeline. It can take years of chronic reflux for Barrett’s esophagus to develop, and not everyone with GERD will get it. Regular checkups are key to detect the GERD early and prevent it.
Claisen Inc. is the world's leading telehealth platform for gastrointestinal conditions. We provide patients with personalized solutions for heartburn and bloating treatment, tailored to their unique needs and lifestyle.
support@claisen.com
Cambridge, MA, 02138
