Do you ever experience chest pain? Does it seem to worsen when you lie down? Does it start after you eat? You do not have to leave with this painful condition. Do you experience frequent hoarseness? All of these are symptoms of acid reflux, and your relief will be found in the text below.
You reduce your chances of experiencing GERD if you maintain a normal weight. If you are overweight, your sphincter will allow acid into your esophagus. Shedding a few extra pounds could cause the sphincter to tighten and limit acid reflux.
Certain foods are notorious triggers for acid reflux. These foods include alcohol, caffeine, fried foods and chocolate. Foods that are highly acidic like tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits and lemons can cause acid reflux. Food triggers vary, so you may be able to consume some of them. Just avoid all these foods to be safe.
It pays to remain in an upright position for at least two hours following a meal. A reclining position makes you more prone to reflux because it becomes easier for the stomach acid to travel upward in your esophagus. This will help you feel comfortable when you stand.
People with acid reflux should not lie down after eating a great deal of food. When you recline, your digestion slows down. You’ll keep your reflux at bay and feel a lot better if you try to stay upright more often.
Acid Reflux
Lose weight. Extra weight can greatly increase the frequency of acid reflux attacks. The additional fat around the stomach increases pressure put on the stomach, increasing the chances of acid reflux. Dropping a couple of pounds can help.
Use slippery elm lozenges to treat your acid reflux. The active ingredient, slippery elm bark, protects the lining of your digestive tract. This treatment will also soothe your irritated throat and make your coughing disappear if you often cough when experiencing acid reflux. These lozenges are found in many health food stores.
Lose weight if you’re heavy. Extra weight, particularly around the middle, can negatively affect acid reflux. This is because it can cause stomach acid to work its way into your esophagus. As a result, you sustain damage to your esophageal tract and pain. You need to live a real healthy lifestyle, both in diet and exercise, to lose the weight for real.
Exercise is key to acid reduction. Low-impact exercises, such as a walking regimen or water aerobics, really help. As you are upright and don’t have to bend over at all, gravity will ensure acid stays where it should.
Tomato-based foods such as spaghetti can frequently trigger your acid reflux. Cut the acidity of the tomato based sauce by putting in a small amount of sugar as you cook. Although your sauce may be sweeter, it will help alleviate your acid reflux.
A great way to avoid discomfort from acid reflux is eating slowly and savoring food. Enjoy your food. Don’t overindulge at meal time, and stop eating when you feel full, but not stuffed.
Spicy Foods
Eat little or no spicy foods, especially in the evening. Mexican food and hot peppers are perfect examples. Consuming spicy foods can not only spark acid reflux, but can dry out your skin and cause indigestion, adding to your level of discomfort.
Don’t smoke! In addition to the health benefits of quitting smoking, it will help with acid reflux. Smoking promotes stomach acid and helps to slow down your digestive process. Smoking also dries up your mouth, which can promote acid reflux. If you cannot quit, then do not smoke immediately after eating. Wait a minimum of two hours.
Could a smoothie be the answer to your acid reflux woes? Spinach, water, romaine lettuce, celery, lemon juice, banana, and apple or pear should be mixed in the blender. This concoction reduces constipation from sphincter relaxation. This beverage is more alkaline based so it will help to soothe your stomach, instead of causing it discomfort.
Reduce your stress levels. While stress isn’t necessarily a cause of reflux, there is a possibility that your means of coping with stress could be to blame. For example, stress-related habits known to cause reflux include smoking, overeating and drinking alcohol. If you can decrease stress, you will probably improve acid reflux indirectly because you won’t be as likely to participate in these harmful activities.
What you drink and how often you drink should be analyzed if you suffer from acid reflux. Is it common for you to drink four sodas with your meal? That may sound excessive, but some people overdo their favorite beverages. Sodas and coffee stimulate acid production in the stomach. Limit their intake.
You should treat acid reflux before it causes damages to your digestive track. You don’t have a cold, and it doesn’t mean the food you’re eating is causing this either. You are suffering from acid reflux, and thanks to the great advice provided above, you now know how to manage it. Therefore, utilize this advice and begin reducing your acid reflux symptoms today.