Walking and Chewing After Meals Cuts GERD Symptoms in Half
Can Walking and Chewing After Meals Prevent Acid Reflux?
Yes, combining walking and chewing activities after meals can significantly reduce postprandial acid reflux by up to 50% through multiple mechanisms including improved gastric emptying, increased saliva production, and enhanced esophageal clearance. This simple, natural intervention harnesses the body’s physiological responses to provide meaningful GERD symptom relief.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This research demonstrates how combining two simple activities can create synergistic benefits for GERD patients. Walking promotes gastric emptying and reduces gastric pressure, while chewing stimulates saliva production and swallowing. Together, they address multiple aspects of reflux physiology simultaneously. What’s particularly appealing is that this intervention is free, accessible to most people, and can be implemented immediately. It’s a perfect example of how understanding basic physiology can lead to practical, effective treatments.