Improving Acid Reflux One Step at a Time

Posted: Oct 04 in Lifestyle & Behavior by Staff

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD can cause a lot of problems, like difficulty swallowing, consistent chest pain, heartburn and acid reflux. In Macon and Albany nearly 30 percent of the adult populations are suffering from obesity. Living with obesity is difficult enough, but being severely overweight or obese brings about other problems, and can actually exacerbate symptoms of GERD. Some studies even suggest that moderate weight gain for people of normal weight can worsen GERD symptoms.
For those with chronic acid reflux in Macon and Albany, exercising could improve your condition. For overweight people, losing as little as 10 percent of your excess weight could alleviate pressure on the abdomen and decrease the amount of stomach acids backwashing into the esophagus. Since intense workouts like running and weight-lifting can incite acid reflux attacks, GERD sufferers are better trying low-impact exercise such as walking as part of a weight loss program.
Go Walking in Georgia
There are many beautiful places to walk in Macon and Albany. If you haven’t exercised in a while you may want to begin walking around your home or neighborhood to increase your strength and endurance. Try walking for ten to fifteen minutes a few times each week. As you gain strength, increase your walking time by a few minutes each day. Once you think you’re ready to venture outside the neighborhood, Macon and Albany’s outdoor trails make for great scenic spots to go walking as you reduce or prevent acid reflux.

• Arrowhead Park is just outside of Macon west of Interstate 475 on Arrowhead Drive. Arrowhead Park is one of five large parks situated on the shores of Lake Tobosofkee and is home to approximately seven miles of beautiful walking trails. This park outside of Macon is open to visitors year round from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Take in the lush, green environment at Arrowhead Park as you walk to lose weight and improve acid reflux symptoms.
• East Macon Park is located just off exit 5 on Interstate 16. This park is home to nearly seven miles of hiking and biking trails in lush wooded areas. Some areas may be overgrown so make sure to wear proper hiking or walking shoes to prevent injury.
• Riverfront Park is home to 2.4 miles of concrete trails, perfect for sufferers of acid reflux in Albany to enjoy walking along. This trail begins in Riverfront Park and ends in Cox Landing. Along the trail, walkers can enjoy scenic views of the Flint River.

You don’t have to suffer from acid reflux in Macon and Albany. Try walking to reduce your weight and improve or reduce symptoms of GERD. If you’re symptoms of GERD persist or become more painful over time, then speak with your GERD surgeon for further treatment options.