Can GERD Problem Worsen By Lifting Heavy Weights?

Posted on Thu, 5 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 5 Jun 2014 Answered on

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Sir,

Remember I got a talk with you last year on My GERD problem. Then I ask you a question about worsens my GERD problem by lifting heavy weights. And you suggest me no to do heavy exercises.

I want to confirm can I lift light weight in gym or do machine exercies? If not then what kind of exercises are suitable for me. So my GERD problem didn't get bad more.

Thanks
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.

If you go through our previous conversation, you can see that I have told you that anything that increases the abdominal pressure would increase the acid reflux episodes. So any exercise like lifting weights which result in contraction of the abdominal muscles can worsen reflux symptoms.
You can go for aerobics and exercises that do not involve the abdominal muscles. You can discuss with the gym instructor and he would help you in avoiding exercises that involves contraction of the abdominal muscles.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar