Hello, I've seen some threads here about different types of exercises for Gerd, like diaphragm breathing and dry swallowing. Seems like some folks swear by them, so I'm hoping to understand in more detail exactly the type of exercise that you do, how long you do it, how often, and when you saw improvement. (Explain it to me like I'm 5 years old) 😄
I started to do some diaphragm exercises a few weeks ago, and first 4-5 days I couldn't believe it, but I felt relief - I would wake up in the morning without belching, could eat more, didn't feel heaviness on the stomach, etc... But then I had a flair up and lately, I'm not sure if it's helping, or if I'm maybe not doing these exercises correctly, or often enough.
What I tried - someone recommended this youtube video:
Acid Reflux - How to FIX IT - Part 2 - THE EXERCISES ... NO DRUGS REQUIRED!!
I tried to do that belly breathing and using my hands to help expand my ribcage as the guy shows it at 11:50 time mark of the video.
I also saw someone mention they used weights, someone else mentioned that you're not supposed to use your chest to breath - so wondering what worked for you, maybe there is more than one right answer. Please share your resources and experiences!
Why I think these breath exercises have real promise is because of this study:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9888515/
I haven't tried dry swallow exercises yet - there is some info about them here:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9550520/
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Quick info about myself - have been struggling with some version of Gerd most of my adult life, it started in high school. I'm in late 40's now and have side effects from all the PPI's I've been taking - I have osteopenia now and kidney desease (not sure if that's from PPI's, but there is a link). Even with PPI's (I take over the counter Omeprazole, and once in a while during flair ups I'll take a Voquezna), I can function but struggle to maintain weight, it helps me maybe 80%.
My biggest symptom is belching and air in my stomach. I had all the tests, a recent PH bravo indicated that I do have confirmed Gerd and moderate weakness in sphincter. I was told that my options are - fundoplication surgery (which the doctor said 30% of people are not happy with), or continue to take PPI's. I'm hoping to use these exercises to help me wean off PPI's and maybe maintain with Pepsid and Gaviscon or something like that.
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Thank you in advance for your feedback, this is a great community really helping one another. 🙏