If you are afflicted with acid reflux, then you know first-hand that the symptoms are quite uncomfortable. Sometimes it can interfere with your day-to-day life. Fortunately,there are some changes that can be made to help relieve the pain. Spend a few minutes browsing these tips.
Acid reflux symptoms are often worse when eating habits are poor. Many people like to eat at a fast pace and eat a lot of food. However, you should not do this because this will only worsen your acid reflux. You should stop when you feel full. You should also make a conscious effort to eat more slowly. Chew food carefully, and set your fork on the table between bites.
Get your fluid intake between your meals instead of while you are eating. This can significantly help you manage hunger pains, because you are likely thirsty rather than hungry. Also, if you drink outside of eating times, you’ll find your stomach doesn’t get as distended when you eat and acid doesn’t pass back up into your esophagus.
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. Fatty foods cause weight gain, which also adds to acid reflux problems. You need to make sure you eat healthier to stay healthy.
Stop smoking now. Smoking can cause acid reflux. It makes digestion slow down and causes an increase in stomach acid, and it slows down saliva production on top of all that. This causes weakness of the esophageal sphincter. That is why you should definitely quit smoking.
If you are pregnant, there is a higher chance of developing acid reflux. The baby grows and pushes on the stomach. Eating low-fat and low-acid food is a great way to keep reflux at bay. If this fails, certain types of tea can help buffer stomach acid without causing harm to your baby.
Certain foods trigger acid reflux. Caffeine based foods, chocolate, and even fried foods are common culprits. You should also avoid spicy foods as much as possible. Triggers vary by person, so you should learn from your own experience as to what does and doesn’t cause you problems. If you want to err on the side of caution, simply stay away from everything listed above.
Watch the types of foods you eat before a reflux episode. Most acid reflux sufferers find that certain foods trigger their acid reflux. Once you’ve identified your trigger foods, you can avoid them and start to feel better.
Consider giving up smoking if you suffer from acid reflux. Nicotine and stomach acid go hand in hand; the more nicotine you have in your system, the more stomach acid you will have. Quitting cold turkey can make acid reflux symptoms worse. Quit slowly instead.
Stay upright for a couple hours after each meal. By lying down, acid can rise due to the fact that gravity is working against it. You can find relief by remaining in a standing or seated position.
After you eat, try to chew some cinnamon gum. This will increase the production of saliva. The acid in your stomach can be neutralized by your saliva. Chewing also makes you swallow more, which helps to clear the esophagus of excess acid. You can use gums that come in fruit flavors as well. Many people enjoy using chewing gum, if you are one of them, avoid mint since it can relax your esophagus and encourage reflux.
You don’t want to lay down after eating. Your stomach will have a hard time digesting food in this position. When you are upright, gravity will assist in keeping acid down.
Try to wait until between mealtimes to have drinks. That’s because eating and drinking at the same time increases the pressure placed upon your lower esophageal sphincter. When the sphincter is relaxed, stomach acid and food can be released back to the esophagus and cause damage.
Chewing cinnamon gum following a meal may help with acid reflux. This gum will produce excess saliva, to help with digestion. You also swallow more frequently when you chew gum. This keeps acid in the stomach.
You should consume less beverages during your meals. Drink while eating results in added pressure to the stomach. This can trigger your acid reflux. Try taking a few sips of water when eating, and save the full glasses for between meals.
It is important that you refrain from eating at least three hours before bedtime. Your stomach cannot properly digest if you are laying down. If you eat at bedtime, you will have heartburn.
If you’re overweight, try losing those extra pounds. Being overweight can cause acid reflux. By applying excessive pressure to your abdominal area, it makes you more prone to heartburn. You can gain some control of your acid reflux symptoms by losing weight.
If you’re pregnant, there are many things that can be causing your acid reflux. Small triggers, such as having a glass of water after 7 p.m. may be the cause. By learning what is causing your acid reflux, you can stop it in its tracks.
If you suffer from acid reflux while you are sleeping, it’s time to rethink how you sleep. If you lay on the right side, try sleeping on the left. Doing this puts your stomach at an angle that will keep acid where it belongs.
When experiencing acid reflux, get into loose clothing. Tight clothes can really put unneeded pressure on the stomach area, which, in turn, worsens acid reflux. So when things start going bad, be ready to get comfy very quickly! To be even better organized, wear looser fitting clothing when you sit down to a big meal.
If your acid reflux is severe, medication may be an option. You can pick from a number of OTC medications or prescription medications. Ask your doctor for a prescription if you think it’s necessary. Be sure to take only your own prescription medications, not those of a friend or relative.
Acid reflux does not have to rule your life. By remembering these simple tricks, you can reclaim your life without as much pain. It’s time to live life again!
