From a scientific perspective, the habit of lying down after meals can be harmful, especially if you are prone to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach contents back up into the esophagus, causing unpleasant symptoms such as heartburn, burping of air or food, and chest pain. SM-Clinic gastroenterologist Valeria Antyufeeva told Gazeta.ru about this.
Between the stomach and the esophagus is the lower esophageal sphincter, a “valve” that closes after eating, preventing the reflux of food. However, this mechanism may fail.
“When the body is in a horizontal position (for example, when a person lies down), gravity stops helping retain stomach contents in the lower parts of the digestive tract. In the upright position, gravity naturally forces the bolus of food downward, keeping it in the stomach and reducing the likelihood of reflux into the esophagus. This assistance disappears when the person lies down, and it becomes easier for the stomach contents to rise, especially if the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened. Therefore, it is recommended to sleep with the head of the bed elevated to compensate for this loss in the effect of gravity,” said Antyufeyeva.
He also noted that GERD can manifest itself, including at night, causing heartburn or coughing, which can significantly reduce sleep quality.
“If reflux into the esophagus occurs regularly, then serious complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) and Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition associated with changes in mucosal cells) are possible,” the doctor warned.
The expert gave some tips on how to avoid these problems. To minimize the risk of reflux, he recommends following a few simple rules.
“Don’t lie down right after eating. Wait 2-3 hours for the food to leave the stomach. Eat small meals. A full stomach puts more pressure on the sphincter, increasing the risk of reflux. Elevating the head of the bed – this reduces the likelihood of nocturnal reflux attacks,” the gastroenterologist advised.
The doctor advised not to lie down after eating, even for those who do not suffer from GERD, because unpleasant symptoms can occur in anyone. A feeling of heartburn, especially at night, is a reason to consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
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Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.