Can GERD Be Cured? Triggers and How to Manage It, According to an Expert

A burning feeling in the chest, pain in the upper stomach, and nausea after eating are often dismissed as "just gastritis". In fact, these complaints can be signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.

In March 2026, Professor of Internal Medicine at FKUI, Prof. Dr. dr. Ari Fahrial Syam, SpPD-KGEH, explained that GERD can be cured as long as its risk factors are reduced and treatment is completed.

What Triggers It?

- Smoking and drinking alcohol
- Being overweight or obese
- A high-fat diet
- Lying down right after eating
- Too little movement, for example from long hours on gadgets

Prof. Ari also notes that these habits often start at a young age, so prevention should begin as early as possible.

Know the Symptoms

- Chest pain and upper stomach pain
- A burning sensation in the chest
- Recurrent vomiting

If symptoms keep coming back, a doctor may recommend an endoscopy to confirm GERD and assess its severity.

How to Manage GERD

- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Choose low-fat foods
- Exercise regularly, sleep enough, and manage stress
- Do not lie down right after eating
- Take acid-reducing medicine as prescribed by your doctor

A Digestive Health Companion from Habbaco99

To help support everyday digestion, you can complement a healthy lifestyle with an herbal blend of classic Indonesian rhizomes: white turmeric (temu putih), aromatic ginger (kencur), turmeric, and cinnamon.

Habbaco99 Nanogastry
Helps maintain healthy digestive function.
Directions: 2 capsules, 3 times a day
BPOM TR. 143 378 621

Note: Habbaco99 herbal products are BPOM-registered traditional medicines that can complement a healthy lifestyle. They do not replace medicine or treatment prescribed by your doctor. If you are on medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult a health professional first.

Sources

- Suara Surabaya: What GERD patients need to know, according to an expert (6 March 2026)

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