After feeling full, most people will tend to be sleepy. So it’s not uncommon to end up sleeping or just lying down. However, the habit of lying down after eating can be the trigger for GERD.

Prof. Ari Fahrial Syam, MD, Ph.D., MMB, FACP, FACG, FINASIM, gastroentero-hepatology consultant, explained that GERD is related to increased stomach capacity and decreased ability of the esophageal valve. If, after meals, you lie down straight away, the food that should go down and be processed in the stomach turns back towards the esophagus so that it can trigger GERD.

Prof. Ari also suggested that someone should wait about 3 (three) hours to lie down after eating. This time is the ideal time for gastric emptying. It also depends on the type and portion of food consumed. GERD can get worse in someone who has a habit of lying down or sleeping on his back after eating and consuming alcohol. Therefore, dietary and lifestyle factors are considered to influence the emergence of GERD.

Prof. Ari said GERD must be treated early to prevent complications. If not treated immediately, this condition can cause irritation and inflammation of the inner wall of the esophagus. Worse complications can occur, such as chronic wounds in the esophagus, narrowing of the lower esophagus, and esophageal cancer.

Source:
Kompas.id. (2022). Berisiko GERD, Hindari Kebiasaan Berbaring Setelah Makan.  Retrieved August 8, 2023. From: https://www.kompas.id/baca/ilmu-pengetahuan-teknologi/2022/04/28/berisiko-gerd-hindari-kebiasaan-berbaring-setelah-makan

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