If you have ever dealt with acid reflux at one point in your life then you’re aware of how harmful this issue can be. This condition can make you very uncomfortable during the day or night. But don’t worry, there are lots of things you can try that will help prevent acid reflux from occurring. Read on to find out more.
To reduce acid reflux symptoms, try avoiding spicy foods like peppers and hot sauce. These foods can worsen acid buildup in the digestive tract and worsen your symptoms. By steering clear of these items, you can get some real relief.
Stress can cause acid reflux. When stress rears its head, acid production increases, causing reflux. Follow each meal with a period of relaxation. Do some meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.
Acid Reflux
Some foods are more prone to causing acid reflux than others. Among them are chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and fried foods. Certain acidic foods are really bad for you as far as acid reflux is concerned. Triggers vary by person, so you should learn from your own experience as to what does and doesn’t cause you problems. Try to steer clear of all of these foods to be safe.
If you smoke and have acid reflux, you may wish to quit. Stomach acid levels increase with nicotine consumption. This makes acid reflux worse. Still, don’t try to stop immediately. This could cause your acid reflux to get worse, as your body will be going through withdrawal. Instead, you need to try to quit a little at a time.
Don’t exercise vigorously after eating as this could cause terrible acid reflux problems. You can move food and acids from your stomach up your esophagus by squeezing your stomach muscles during exercise. Wait at least two hours before working out.
Chewing Gum
After eating, try chewing on some cinnamon gum. This will increase the production of saliva. Saliva helps neutralize the acids in the stomach. Also, when chewing gum, more swallowing occurs, making acid go back down from the stomach to the esophagus. Fruit gum is okay if it isn’t based on citrus. Many people enjoy using chewing gum, if you are one of them, avoid mint since it can relax your esophagus and encourage reflux.
Reflux may feel painful enough to trick you into thinking you are suffering from a heart attack. However, you should never ignore chest pain. There is a chance that you are suffering from a heart attack. Do not hesitate to call a doctor or an ambulance if you feel serious pain. Misdiagnosis would be horrible, and you don’t want any serious health issues.
If you are active, you may notice your acid reflux flares up after strenuous activities. You should drink plenty of water. Water helps you stay hydrated. You’ll also have an easier time digesting your food properly. Using water to assist in digestion will reduce stomach acids.
One of the major causes of heart burn is alcohol. It should be avoided. Alcohol causes stomach acid to build and can also deteriorate the lining of the stomach, leading to acid reflux. Do not drink too much while out with friends if you don’t want a lot of discomfort later that night.
Avoid laying down after a meal if you have acid reflux. Having a horizontal digestive system leads to problems. By sitting upright, you can avoid experiencing any acid reflux symptoms.
If you suffer from acid reflux, you might want to give slippery elm lozenges a try. Slippery elm bark, the main ingredient in these natural lozenges, coats your digestive tract in a protective layer. When it is in lozenges, it relieves the coughing that comes with acid reflux and it soothes throat irritation. They can be found at most health food and natural remedy outlets.
You may understand after reading this article that it’s not hopeless if you have acid reflux. With some simple knowledge and effort on your part, you can make acid reflux a past problem. Take the helpful advice included above and apply it to your life.