Acid reflux results in one of the worst feelings you can have. The agonizing burning sensations and pain can make anyone go crazy. When this condition is your own, you should know many others are in the same boat. There is no reason for you to put up with it either, as the piece that follows will illustrate.
Be sure to have dinner no less than three hours prior to bedtime. When you remain upright, your food and stomach acids stay put in the stomach. When laying down, the acid may climb back up. You need those few hours before deciding to hit the sack.
Acid Reflux
Stop eating spicy foods if you want to prevent acid reflux. They can encourage your body to produce more acid, increasing your symptoms. You can easily avoid acid reflux if you do not eat spicy foods.
Stay upright after meals. A reclining position makes you more prone to reflux because it becomes easier for the stomach acid to travel upward in your esophagus. Your esophagus will feel much better when you get up on your feet.
Once you have eaten, exercising too soon after can definitely make your acid reflux worse. When your abdominal muscles contract, you can end up having food from inside your stomach reach your esophagus. Always wait for an hour before you start exercising.
Chew cinnamon flavored gum after you eat. This will increase the production of saliva. Saliva is very useful to neutralize the acids produced in the stomach. Also, chewing gum causes people to swallow, which helps clear away acid from the esophagus. Fruit gum can be used too. Do not, however, chew gum with mint in it. Mint can actually cause acid reflux, so you may just be making things worse.
Avoid clothing that is too restrictive. Tight belts, waistbands and pantyhose can cause you discomfort. This adds more pressure around your stomach. This may cause acid reflux. Wear comfortable clothes, which help give your stomach breathing room.
Some foods may trigger acid reflux in many people. You must limit the amounts of these foods you eat to help prevent this condition. Try to avoid coffee, milk, foods that are spicy or hot, tomatoes, beverages that are carbonated, alcohol, fatty fast food, and acidic fruit juices.
You don’t want to lay down after eating. Your digestive tract may not function as well in this position. It’s possible to reduce your acid reflux symptoms by remaining upright after your meal, and of course, eating healthy at all times.
Slippery elm lozenges are optimal to help with your acid reflux. The active ingredient in the lozenge provides a protective coating for your digestive tract. The lozenge form helps relieve any coughing that goes along with acid reflux and makes things worse. You can find them at any health food stores and natural food stores near you.
Were you aware that alkaline or acid in food isn’t indicative of the food’s pH level? For example, you may think lemons are acidic; however, they are alkaline once digested. Do not get confused by how acidic a food is before it is eaten. Study food pH to help you understand.
You should never diagnose yourself with acid reflux disease. If you have acid reflux signs, like discomfort in the stomach or regurgitation, go to your doctor. There are numerous other diseases that have the same or similar symptoms. Your doctor may run tests to see if it’s acid reflux.
If you have acid reflux, then you know how hard it is to eat spaghetti and pizza. When a tomato sauce is involved, consider adding some sugar to cut the acid. This sweetens your sauce and makes it much easier to eat and hold down.
You can minimize the symptoms of acid reflux by eating and chewing slowly at each meal. Chewing is the first step of digestion, and it is important to dedicate enough time to it. Slow down and actually taste your food. Try not to overeat at meals.
Reduce or eliminate spicy dishes from your diet, particularly in the early evening. Mexican food is one to avoid, as it contains a lot of acid reflux causing ingredients. Eating spicy foods can trigger reflux and cause indigestion to make your stomach feel even worse.
Don’t eat a lot of food right before calling it a day. It is a good idea to avoid foods for about three hours before you hit the sack. The acids produced during digestion can cause heartburn and acid reflux if you lay down after eating.
Consider the way you’ve been sleeping – it could be causing your acid reflux. Rather than laying on the right side, try rolling over on your left. Doing this puts your stomach at an angle that will keep acid where it belongs.
Stop eating about three hours before going to bed to decrease the effects that your acid reflux has at night. Eating activates your digestive tract. When acids are produced, you may feel inflammation in your stomach. By not eating right before bed, your stomach acid will naturally lessen.
Try to focus on the types of beverages that are causing acid reflux. Drinks with caffeine, alcohol and carbonation can all cause acid reflux problems. Choose water over all else whenever possible.
Acid reflux is no laughing matter. The feeling is horrible, but it may also be damaging your body. You have the tools to stop it. Use them and don’t be affected by acid reflux.
