If you have suffered from acid reflux disease in the past, you know how annoying this condition can be. It may stop you from leading the life you want. There are some things that can help keep acid reflux at bay. This article gives you insight on how to beat acid reflux.
Put a wedge beneath your mattress to boost your head and keep acid down. Wood, books, and other items can be used to increase the elevation of your mattress. Electric beds are also an option here as well.
Acid Reflux
You can get acid reflux from a variety of foods. Some common problem foods are chocolate, alcohol, fast food, coffee, tea, or any beverage with caffeine. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits are big contributes to acid reflux as well. Keep a log of what foods seem to cause your acid reflux. You may find some common problem foods are fine for you, while other foods that are not listed upset your stomach. Stay away from all these foods to avoid acid reflux.
Try to quit smoking if you are afflicted with acid reflux. Nicotine causes acid reflux to get worse. However, quitting cold turkey can also worsen acid reflux. Take your time with your quit attempts.
You must stay upright when eating and for at least a few hours after your meal. This allows gravity to assist in keeping the acid in your stomach where it belongs. Your esophagus can feel better by standing up or sitting up.
Reduce acid reflux by attaining and maintaining a proper weight. Obesity can put excess pressure on your stomach. By shedding one-tenth of your total body weight, you may see significant reductions in the occurrence of reflux. If you are trying to lose weight, make sure you use a sensible eating plan.
Avoid laying down after a meal if you have acid reflux. When you lay down, your digestive tract can sometimes have difficulty with the food you have consumed. By sitting upright, you can avoid experiencing any acid reflux symptoms.
Try moderate exercise that keeps you upright, such as walking. This type of exercise can improve acid reflux symptoms for several reasons. Staying in an upright position will keep acid from creeping up your esophagus. Additionally, exercise helps you lose weight and stay healthy, thus keeping acid reflux at bay. Even though you should do moderate exercise, avoid extreme exercise because this may worsen your acid reflux rather than reduce it.
Consume smaller meals more frequently throughout your day. If you eat one to two larger meals daily, this may boost your chances of developing acid reflux. This is because there is additional pressure on your sphincter, which makes it open up. This can result in excess stomach acid, and it can cause heartburn. Instead, opt for small meals about five times a day.
Try to burn some excess weight off your body. Being overweight, especially when most of the additional pounds are located on your stomach, can worsen your acid reflux symptoms. Extra fat that’s around the belly area can put pressure on your stomach and cause reflux. Set a goal to shed a few pounds off your body each week.
Work on drinking only in between your meals if acid reflux is plaguing you. When you have food and liquid in your stomach at the same time, that causes a lot of pressure on the esophageal sphincter. This means it can relax and allow some acid through.
Slippery Elm
Elm lozenges are a good treatment against acid reflux. The active ingredient, slippery elm bark, protects the lining of your digestive tract. When taken as a lozenge, slippery elm can lessen the cough associated with reflux, and can soothe your irritated throat. You can find them at most health food stores.
Are you aware that a food’s alkaline level is not associated with the pH level of it? Lemons, which many think are acidic, have a lot of alkaline after they are consumed. This can be confusing to you. You must know more about pH when dealing with your acid reflux.
Try relaxing. You will suffer from acid reflux if you feel stressed after or during eating. When you finish eating, do a few relaxation exercises. Don’t lie down right after. You need to stay upright.
Don’t give yourself a diagnosis and declare that you have acid reflux. If you feel you have symptoms of the condition, like stomach pain and frequent regurgitation, see a physician. There are many health conditions that mimic acid reflux. Tests are available to confirm acid reflux.
Chewing Gum
Chewing cinnamon gum can help with your acid reflux. Chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps neutralize your stomach acid. In addition, chewing gum makes people swallow more. This assists in keeping acid down in the stomach, right where it should be.
If you’ve got a few extra pounds, lose that weight. Extra weight can cause your body to produce more acid. By applying excessive pressure to your abdominal area, it makes you more prone to heartburn. Shedding as little as 10 percent of your weight can ease your symptoms.
Foods that include tomato, such as pizza or spaghetti, are not a good option if you are dealing with acid reflux. When cooking with tomato bases, adding sugar can help reduce acidity. Although your sauce may be sweeter, it will help alleviate your acid reflux.
You don’t have to give up your whole life due to acid reflux. A few simple tricks can be used to keep your reflux under control. Use the tips above and your life will be yours again.