Rowing And Reflux Disease

[[old] WolfShield1]

A recent article on MSN suggests a connection between some kinds of exercise and Reflux disease commonly called GERD. In particular the article recommended avoiding stomach crunches. The theory is that this weakens the valves of the stomach that prevents acid from rising into the esophogus. What makes this alarming is that each stroke on a rower is a kind of crunch.<br><br> Are there any other reflux suffers on this board?<br><br> By the way here's the MSN link:<br><br> <a href='http://www.gerd.msn.com/GERDUp2004-5Exercise.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.gerd.msn.com/GERDUp2004-5Exercise.asp</a>

[[old] Jim Barry]

I ran into a bit of reflux like symptoms a few years ago that had me concerned that the rower (slosh slosh slosh) might be part of the issue. I think it was a culprit in the crime against me, but more than likely I simply had bad reflux and felt it while rowing. I took care of the reflux (less caffeine and alcohol, reduce stress , do not exercise after eating, take an antacid more often) and have had no problems since (I row most nights at 9:00PM, too). Bottom line, any health issue should be paid extra attention when on an exercise program. Exercise is a stress on the body.

[[old] LacticAcid]

On occasion I've experienced acid reflux during extreme sessions of the erg. I will often find myself gulping back stomach acid in my throat or I might have an acid "burp". Afterwards, I will experience *coughing* for a month, two or more with no other symptons.<br><br>I used acid reflux meds for a short time and that did nothing, my clueless family doctor suggested I visit his friend the "Allergist".<br><br><br>So, now I just restrain myself from erging hard.

[[old] sockman71]

I've had GERD for a couple years. Prilosec did the trick. But, the doctor switched me to Nexium (basically the same thing, by the same company, with a different release mechanism) once it became available. However, it didn't work for me. I asked for a Prilosec script and got it. It's now over the counter (OTC) and I use it as needed. <br><br>To your question, erging has only caused me to feel the burn up in my throat one time. Until I read this, I never thought anything of it. I just thought I was beyond my limits. However, it may have been a combination since I had not been experiencing any discomfort for some time.<br><br>I've only been erging for about 5 weeks and my acid reflux has not been bad except (possibly) for that one time.<br><br>I've lost about 20 lbs in the last 6 months and cut back on caffeine/alcohol/fast food as much as possible while having "a life". <br><br>I won't bore you with all the "to do's" for those with GERD, but I think the benefits of erging far outweigh the negatives.<br><br>

[[old] JRBJR]

I've had a number of bouts of acid reflux, usually in the middle of the night after eating a very spicy dinner. If it's bad enough, a Tagamet tablet eliminates the discomfort.<br><br>I almost always erg around 8 in the morning, after a banana or two. I've never experienced acid reflux after my morning erg sessions.<br><br>Obviously, one shouldn't erg on a full stomach, within a few hours of eating a significant meal. You don't want to deprive the stomach of the blood supply it needs to properly digest the food, or subject it to 30 to 60 minutes of stomach contractions.

[[old] LacticAcid]

JRBJR, your symptons sound more like heartburn rather than GERD or Acid Reflux during exercise. The problem here is acid reflux and exercise, not heart burn and spicy food. <br>

[[old] JRBJR]

<!--QuoteBegin-LacticAcid+Jul 10 2004, 05:09 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td class='genmed'><span class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></span> (LacticAcid @ Jul 10 2004, 05:09 PM)</td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->JRBJR, your symptons sound more like heartburn rather than GERD or Acid Reflux during exercise.  The problem here is acid reflux and exercise, not heart burn and spicy food.<!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><br>What we commonly call "heartburn" can cover a range of symptom severity, from mild burning in the lower esophogus to the movement of stomach acid into the upper esophogus and throat. Whether the cause is simply too much pepperoni pizza or a weakened esophogheal sphincter, or both, the symptoms of GERD and severe heartburn can be the same.<br><br>My point was that acid reflux concurrent with erging was probably more likely to occur within a few hours of consuming a large meal.

[[old] LacticAcid]

JRBJR, I'd say a big "DUH" to that reply! Of course one could experience the displacement of stomach acid after a large meal in combination with stomach crunches on the erg.<br><br>The issue here doesn't concern food. Who's dumb enough to row on a full stomach anyway?

[[old] JRBJR]

Actually, I've known a few people who engage in vigorous exercise just a few hours after a large meal. That's when they have the free time for it. People do foolish things with regards to sports and exercise all the time, like playing through the pain of major joint problems or bad muscle injuries.<br><br>My main point was to dispute your distinguishing between your GERD symptoms and my "heartburn" symptoms. Last time I checked, I hadn't given your my medical records.<br><br>Let's drop it.

[[old] LacticAcid]

Vigorous exercise other than erging or rowing sure I've done it. But erging or rowing with a lump of food in one's stomach would of course cause displacement of stomach acid which doesn't make any sense in the first place.<br><br>You don't need a fancy medical term for that one.<br><br><br><br><br>