People describe acid reflux with nasty adjectives, such as burning, irritating and intense. Those who were unfortunate enough to experience it know all about acid reflux. There are ways to reduce symptoms and even end them for good. Keep reading for helpful acid reflux advice.
If you maintain a healthy weight, you are less likely to suffer from acid reflux. When you’re carrying too much fat, the opening located in the lower part of the esophagus will relax. Losing weight prevents the sphincter from opening, thereby confining stomach acid to your stomach.
Fatty foods are much worse for anyone who suffers from acid reflux than healthier options. Foods high in fat relaxes the esophageal sphincter which in turn contributes to the acid flowing in the wrong direction. Also, they cause weight gain; thus, the reason people who are overweight suffer from acid reflux. Try to stay as healthy as possible with your diet.
Elevate your head above the bed. Risers, blocks, and bricks are all effective for this purpose. Ideally, your head should be elevated six full inches higher than your feet. You can prevent stomach acid from staying in your esophagus by elevating your chest and head.
For example, if your problem only occurs after vigorous exercise, the solution may be simple. One way to help is to drink plenty of water. Of course, water hydrates you as you work out. The water will also aid in digestion. You can curb acid production in your stomach by using water to promote healthy digestion.
You should never lay down after a meal. When you recline, your digestion slows down. Keeping yourself upright can help you keep the acid out of your esophagus.
Try using slippery elm lozenges for your acid reflux. Your digestive tract will receive a protective coating from the slippery elm bark which is contained within these lozenges. When taken as a lozenge, it provides relief for reflux-related coughing. These lozenges can be found at most health foods stores.
You need to relax. If you eat when stressed, it can lead to acid reflux. Truly relaxing after a meal using deep breathing exercises or meditation can help cut down on acid reflux. Don’t lay down after a meal.
Always consult with a physician if you think you might be suffering from acid reflux. If you have symptoms of acid reflux, you need to talk to your doctor. Lots of other illnesses present in similar manners to acid reflux, including heart ailments and ulcers. Your physician has tests he can conduct to determine a diagnosis.
Cinnamon gum chewed after you eat can be a huge relief. Chewing causes saliva to be produced, neutralizing acid. It also helps because people swallow more when they are chewing gum. Extra swallowing helps stomach acid to be pushed by down into the stomach.
Try to eat at least 3 hours before going to bed. You have to be able to digest before lying down. Heartburn is very likely to occur if you eat immediately prior to bedtime.
Acid reflux is often exacerbated by gluten. Anyone who deals with acid reflux ought to consider cutting barley, wheat and oat intake. A couple of grains that are helpful for digestion and contain the bodies’ necessary fiber are quinoa and millet.
Take off that excess weight. That extra weight can be a big culprit of your acid reflux issues. Excess weight can compress the stomach, resulting in acid reflux. Dropping a few pounds could really help you reduce the symptoms.
Do not consume hot or spicy foods during the course of the day, especially during the evening. Mexican food is one to avoid, as it contains a lot of acid reflux causing ingredients. Eating spicy foods causes your acid reflux to flare up.
Don’t smoke! Smoking can contribute to acid reflux. Smoking causes the acids in your stomach to increase while slowing digestive processes. Finally, smoking can decrease your production of saliva, further slowing down digestion. If you don’t quit smoking, at least don’t smoke for several hours after eating.
Limit the impact of evening acid reflux just by steering clear of food for the three hours preceding bedtime. When eating, the digestive tract will be activated. When this occurs, the production of stomach acid starts. If you don’t eat for several hours prior to going to sleep, you can cut down on the amount of stomach acid you have when you finally do lay down.
Acid reflux is exacerbated by beverages containing carbonation or caffeine. Drinks such as coffee, black tea or soda can fill your stomach with acid. Such drinks tend to inflame the stomach lining, adding to the pain. Green tea and other herbals teas are better options.
While acid reflux may feel like it lasts forever, it isn’t really permanent. You can take steps to prevent acid reflux now. You can be proactive and do what’s necessary to stop it from even occurring. Hopefully the tips you read here will help you quickly address any reflux issues in the future.