If you are afflicted with acid reflux, then you know first-hand that the symptoms are quite uncomfortable. You may have it so bad that it feels like you cannot live life properly. Fortunately for you, you have options about treating the condition and moving on in life. Read these tips for ways to find relief.
When you’re at your optimal weight there is a less of a chance that you will get GERD. Those extra pounds put pressure on the stomach and cause the bottom of your esophagus to relax and allow reflux. Losing weight prevents the sphincter from opening, thereby confining stomach acid to your stomach.
Acid Reflux
Some foods are very likely to cause acid reflux or make existing reflux worse. Caffeine beverages, chocolate, fried items and alcohol can all be acid reflux triggers. You should also use caution with foods that are acidic, such as citrus and tomatoes, as they can also trigger acid reflux. The triggers are different for everyone, and you need to sort out which ones are yours. Just avoid all these foods to be safe.
Keep cinnamon gum on you at all times, and eat a stick of it after every meal. Chewing gum helps to stimulate your saliva glands. Saliva works to neutralize stomach acid. Chewing gum also causes a person to swallow more often, which cleans the throat of acids that come up from the stomach. 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.
In some instances, acid reflux attacks can feel like a heart attack. For your health and safety, always have a doctor check out chest pains. It is possible that a heart attack is occurring or is close. Call for medical assistance, right away. Following your own unprofessional diagnosis could lead to serious problems.
Try raising your bed’s frame. Risers, blocks, and bricks are all effective for this purpose. Aim to have the head of the bed six inches higher when compared to the foot. When your torso and head are elevated, it should stop stomach acid from rising during rest.
You might realize that a very active lifestyle could be part of the problem. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Your body will be more hydrated. It also enables your system to digest food more efficiently. Help your food digest by drinking water. It will decrease the production of acid.
Reduce acid reflux by attaining and maintaining a proper weight. Obesity is a major cause of acid reflux. Lose several pounds each week and watch acid reflux disappear. Try to eat healthier rather than following a fad diet.
Do not lie down immediately after you have eaten. Having a horizontal digestive system leads to problems. If you stay upright, the problems resulting from acid reflux can be avoided.
Do moderate exercise intended to keep you in an upright position. This type of exercise can improve acid reflux symptoms for several reasons. First, staying upright helps your stomach digest food more easily. Second, it can reduce your weight, which also improves acid reflux. Exercising is important, but working out too intensely could make your acid reflux worse, for instance, if you contract your abdominal muscles after a meal.
If you’re overweight, try shedding some pounds. When your body stores extra fat, particularly around your waist line, it makes acid reflux worse. This causes stomach acids to move into the esophagus. The acid causes pain and can eventually damage the lining of your esophagus. Adopt a healthier lifestyle, make changes to your diet and be more active to get in shape.
Don’t let acid reflux ruin over your life. Just by doing the simple things that were listed in this article, you will be able to get on the path to a less painful life and back to the lifestyle you like to live. Treat your acid reflux, and reclaim your life.