Are you looking for an efficient solution to your acid reflux problem? If this affliction has been dogging you, it is high time you got busy eliminating it. Continue reading to learn more about how to get acid reflux out of your life.
You reduce your chances of experiencing GERD if you maintain a normal weight. Your esophagus sphincter relaxes when fat in your stomach presses downward. Losing weight can cure it for good.
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. Prop your mattress with a plank or some book to make sure your head is elevated. You may also find beds that are electronically controlled.
Stop smoking as soon as possible! Smoking makes acid reflux worse. This is because smoking slows digestion and increases stomach acid, while reducing saliva production. It causes the esophageal sphincter to relax as well. That’s why it must be controlled.
Try to reduce stress at all costs to reduce acid reflux. If you feel a lot of anxiety, the stomach generally creates more acid. After each meal, do something you find relaxing. Some examples include reading, listening to music, watching television, meditating or taking a little stroll.
Reflux may be so painful that it may seem like a heart attack. If you are suffering from serious chest pain, don’t ignore it. These could be the signs of a heart attack. Talk to a doctor to learn about what to do. Following your own unprofessional diagnosis could lead to serious problems.
Losing weight can decrease your acid reflux symptoms. Obesity is a main cause of acid reflux. Losing just ten percent of your total weight will reduce acid reflux symptoms significantly. Adopt a healthy diet that includes reasonable quantities of many different foods instead of going on a crash diet.
Eat smaller meals, more often. You are more likely to suffer from acid reflux when you have only one or two big meals each day. A full stomach is under so much pressure that the contents can be pushed upwards. This gives stomach acid a way to enter the esophagus, and this causes heartburn. Small meals will prevent this cause of your symptoms.
It is time to lose weight. Extra weight, especially around you waist, may add to the frequency of acid reflux. The extra pressure caused by the weight around your middle makes reflux more likely. Even a few pounds lost can bring relief.
Pregnancy can cause acid reflux due to the baby pushing the stomach. Talk to your doctor to determine the correct course of action if you are in this situation, especially in the latter stages of your pregnancy.
Steer clear of excessive drinking if you are plagued by acid reflux. Alcohol consumption is a major cause of excessive production of stomach acids. If you must drink alcohol, try drinking at most a couple of glasses and look for alcohol or wine that doesn’t worsen your symptoms of acid reflux.
Don’t eat food with a ton of fat. Fast food is one of the main culprits that you must avoid. Make sure that you carefully read all food labels and other nutrition information on the label.
Don’t self-diagnose your acid reflux. If you are having symptoms associated with it, like cramps and regurgitation, you should go see the doctor. Sometimes the culprit is more severe, such as heart disease or peptic ulcers. You can have tests run by your doctor so he or she can identify and diagnose acid reflux.
Eat at least three hours ahead of bedtime. Thus, if you plan to retire at 10:00, have your dinner by 7:00. When lying down on a full stomach, more pressure is applied to the LES muscle. This will cause more acid reflux episodes.
You should consume less beverages during your meals. Drink while eating results in added pressure to the stomach. It adds pressure to the middle and can trigger your acid reflux. Therefore, try to drink between meals, and if you must drink during your meal, only take very small sips.
If you experience blood in your stool or vomit, you must see a doctor immediately. This can indicate a serious problem. If you find out you have a different condition, you can get the help you need for it.
Try not to consume too much liquid when you have your meals. Beverages, along with food, can cause your stomach to bloat. When your stomach is overly stuffed, it places added pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Your esophagus has a harder time closing up and keeping the acids down when you are too full.
With everything you’ve learned here, you are one step closer to doing away with your reflux problems. You can now do what you have to do, since you know how. Keep everything you’ve learned here top of mind, and begin fighting back!