If you have ever dealt with acid reflux, you are aware of the pain and discomfort it causes. There are times when it prevents you from functioning properly. The good side is that there are plenty of things that can ease your pain. Take advantage of the tips you are about to read.
Consuming any type of food during a reflux spell can make it worse. People often eat much faster than they should, and in higher quantities than is necessary. Don’t do either of these things! Don’t gorge until you feel as if you could pop. Instead, eat only until you feel somewhat full. You should also make a conscious effort to eat more slowly. Chew slowly, and even go so far as to lay down the fork every so often.
To help get a good night’s rest, place a wedge or some object under the mattress. This will prop up your head and allow the acid to stay in the right place. Bricks, wood, books – what you use it up to you. You can also use an electronic bed that elevates.
There are certain foods that can trigger acid reflux in our bodies. Things such as fried items, caffeinated drinks, alcohol and chocolate are common things known to cause reflux. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits are big contributes to acid reflux as well. Triggers are different for everyone, and therefore you may require trial and error before knowing what causes your pain. To be safe, avoid these items.
Be sure to watch what kind of foods you ate before you noticed the reflux symptoms. Trigger foods vary from person to person. Once you find what foods trigger your acid reflux, you will be able to eliminate them from your diet.
In some instances, acid reflux attacks can feel like a heart attack. Don’t ignore really bad chest pains. It is a symptom of a potential heart attack. You should consider going to the ER or calling your doctor for advice. Don’t let yourself die in denial!
Treat your acid reflux symptoms by hydrating yourself. Increase your water consumption. Water will ensure your body is properly hydrated. It also enables your system to digest food more efficiently. Increased water consumption not only improves digestion, but it also decreases acid production.
If you’re overweight, try to lose some weight. Carrying extra weight (especially over the abdomen) can cause acid reflux. Your esophagus fills with stomach acid as a result of the excess weight. Ultimately, this will harm your esophagus and cause you great discomfort. You can achieve weight loss through a conscientious lifestyle and a healthier approach to eating.
Don’t eat highly fatty foods. Eat fast food, fried foods and red meat in very small quantities. You can read the ingredient labels of foods that you are interested in to check the fat level.
It might be time to eliminate some stress from your life. If you eat when stressed, it can lead to acid reflux. After eating, practice a little meditation, deep breathing and light relaxation exercise. Do not lie down following a meal, but keep yourself upright.
Try to eat the last meal no more than three hours prior to going to sleep. Therefore, if you go to bed at 10 P.M., eat your last meal by 7 P.M. If you lay down with a full stomach, the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus might not be able to contain the acid. This will cause acid reflux to occur.
While eating, it is best to limit consumption of liquids. You increase the load your stomach is taking when you fill it with fluids on top of food. The food will take up more room in your stomach and trigger acid reflux. Just take little sips of your drink when eating and have full glasses when you’re not eating.
Reach a healthy weight. Being overweight can cause acid reflux. It puts unnecessary pressure on your stomach which, in turn, causes all sorts of heartburn issues. Shedding just a few pound helps relieve this pressure.
If you suffer from acid reflux then you understand how difficult it can be to eat foods such as pizza and spaghetti. When you are cooking with tomato-based sauces, adding a little sugar to the sauce can really help to cut down on the acidity. The sauce will be sweeter, making it easier to consume.
Don’t drink when eating if acid reflux is a concern. Liquid consumed with your meal with increase the volume of your stomach’s contents. That causes pressure on your esophageal sphincter which in turn leads to acid leaking upwards. Instead of drinking with meals, drink in between them.
Acid reflux does not have to control your life at all. By taking the steps outlined in the article you’ve read, you can make your lifestyle changes and live a healthier life. You will eventually find an efficient solution to your acid reflux problem.