People who have acid reflux know how debilitating it can be. Education is one of the keys to getting it under control. You should keep reading to learn more about acid reflux and the different methods you can use to make this painful condition go away.
The way you eat can determine your symptoms. Many folks eat rapidly, and consume abundant amounts. Eating too much food can cause your stomach to produce more acid. You should stop when you feel full. It helps to eat your food more slowly. Chew food carefully, and set your fork on the table between bites.
Use a wedge-shaped cushion beneath your mattress to elevate your head. Wood blocks or books work well to elevated the top of the bed above the bottom. There are beds which are electronically controlled which you can use as well.
If you haven’t already quit smoking, do so now. Smoking contributes to your acid reflux. Smoking slows down digestion and saliva production, both of which worsen reflux. This can cause the esophageal sphincter to weaken. That’s why you should quit today.
Acid Reflux
Smokers should consider quitting in order to get rid of acid reflux. Your stomach acid is increased by nicotine and this will make acid reflux worse. You don’t necessarily have to go cold turkey to quit; that may actually worsen your acid reflux. Take your time.
The feeling of a heart attack can be mimicked by severe reflux pain. Don’t ever ignore chest pains. They can be a sign of heart failure. Do not hesitate to call a doctor or an ambulance if you feel serious pain. Don’t let yourself die in denial!
Do not wear clothes that are too tight. Things like pantyhose, belts and waistbands should not be too tight. These kinds of garments put pressure on your digestive area that you don’t need or want. This can cause significant reflux concerns Wear comfortable clothes that allow expansion for your stomach.
To reduce the risk of acid reflux, lose those extra pounds. Obesity often occurs with acid reflux. If you lose 10% of your weight, acid reflux will have a lesser effect on your body. Do not crash diet; eat smaller meals to lose weight.
Avoid alcohol if you suffer from acid reflux. Alcohol affects the stomach in two ways: it stimulates acid production in the stomach and irritates the lining, a cause of acid reflux. If you are planning an evening out, commit yourself to having just one drink.
Drink less alcohol if you are dealing with acid reflux. Alcohol can cause more acid to be produced in your stomach. If you still decide to drink, be sure to limit your intake and search for a drink that doesn’t give you acid reflux.
What are your trigger foods? Fried and fat filled foods, alcohol, citrus, and other foods can cause acid reflux. There are different triggers for each person, so find yours and avoid them.
Since fatty foods are a major cause of acid reflux, try to eat low-fat foods when possible. You will need to cut out high-fat processed foods, fast foods and red meat that is high in fat. You can read the ingredient labels of foods that you are interested in to check the fat level.
Try relaxing. By eating meals when overly stressed out, you are more likely to experience acid reflux. When you finish a meal, try some relaxing exercise like deep breathing or meditation. Avoid laying down after eating and wait at least three hours before going to bed.
If you are suffering endlessly from acid reflux, it’s important to take steps to do something about it. Begin right now with the information presented here. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise appropriately to feel great.