If you have ever dealt with acid reflux, you are aware of the pain and discomfort it causes. At time, it can get bad enough to prevent you from functioning properly. The good side is that there are plenty of things that can ease your pain. Take the time to read the following advice.
Consuming any type of food during a reflux spell can make it worse. Most people eat too much, too quickly. Eating too much food can cause your stomach to produce more acid. Avoid overeating. You need to learn to eat at a conservative pace. Chew food carefully and lay down your fork every couple bites.
Spicy Foods
To reduce acid reflux symptoms, try avoiding spicy foods like peppers and hot sauce. Spicy foods can cause your stomach to produce more acid. You will usually find relief by avoiding these foods.
Try to quit smoking if you are afflicted with acid reflux. Stomach acid levels increase with nicotine consumption. This makes acid reflux worse. But when it is time to quit smoking, do it with some help. Cold turkey puts the body under stress and this can make your acid reflux problems worse. Quit slowly instead.
Raise up your bed’s headboard. Use anything from books to bricks to increase the incline. You want to work against gravity, so keep your head at least a half a foot higher than your feet. You’ll be less likely to have acid enter your throat when you sleep at night if you have your head and torso elevated.
Certain foods are more likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms in almost all individuals. Avoiding these ingredients or reducing consumption goes a long way toward avoiding reflux. Some examples are fatty foods, citrus juices and coffee.
Do not lie down after a large meal, especially if you have reflux problems. Your stomach will have a hard time digesting food in this position. Remaining upright can avoid issues with your acid reflux and keep you feeling healthy.
If you are an expectant mother, your unborn baby may be causing your reflux by applying pressure to your stomach. Ask your doctor for ways to treat this. This is especially important for those near the end of pregnancy.
Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm lozenges can be helpful. Slippery elm bark, the main ingredient in these natural lozenges, coats your digestive tract in a protective layer. Slippery elm bark can also help with your coughing. Look for slippery elm products at health and natural food stores.
How much do you know about the effects of alkalinity and acidity on the digestion of your food? Foods that are acidic such as lemons are really highly alkaline when digestion occurs. This is a bit confusing if you have acid reflux. You need to learn more concerning the pH balance of food when you have acid reflux.
Make sure you limit the amount of spicy foods you consume, especially during the last half of the day. This includes Indian dishes, Mexican favorites and jalapeños. These foods often trigger your acid reflux.
Don’t eat big meals before going to sleep. Try avoiding foods around three hours prior to slumber. This will ensure acid doesn’t cause you issues overnight.
Slows Digestion
It’s time to give up smoking. On top of helping your lungs heal, quitting aids in curbing acid reflux. Smoking boosts acid products and slows digestion. Saliva production is decreased if you smoke, which further slows digestion. If you must smoke, try to avoid smoking within 2 hours of meal time.
Only drink small amounts of liquid during meals. Beverages are absorbed into your food causing your stomach to be overly full. A bloated stomach places pressure right on the esophageal sphincter. This muscle helps to keep food from creeping up from your stomach and into your esophagus.
Acid Reflux
When experiencing acid reflux, get into loose clothing. Tight clothing could put pressure on your stomach, which can increase acid reflux issues. Getting comfy is a much better idea! Put on loose clothing before you eat for maximum effect.
What you drink and how often you drink should be analyzed if you suffer from acid reflux. Consuming large quantities of liquid at meal times can cause symptoms. If you lower the amount of liquid you drink, it can help eliminate reflux.
If you have chronic acid reflux, you need to limit your alcohol intake. All forms of alcohol, such as wine, beer, liquor, etc., can harm your esophagus, resulting in acid reflux. This is more about excess drinking than the occasional drink.
There are medications you can help to get rid of acid reflux. You’re going to find that you have many over-the-counter meds to decide between, in addition to prescriptions. If you would like a prescription medication for acid reflux symptoms, ask your doctor to prescribe one. Never take someone else’s pills.
Eat natural whole foods as sugary processed foods tend to aggravate acid reflux. You can eliminate this problem by consuming natural fruits and vegetables. You can produce good bacteria with a probiotic supplement, which balances your bowels.
Don’t lay down after eating or sit in one spot. Lying down can cause food to move from the stomach back up toward the esophagus, provoking acid reflux. Digestion will be more efficient if you stay upright and move around a bit.
There is no need for acid reflux to control your life. The simple tips from this article will help you on your journey to finding relief for your acid reflux. Get out there and reclaim your life.