There’s no argument about the fact that acid reflux is no fun at all. However, with the proper information and knowledge, it’s possible for anyone to alleviate their condition. This article will show you how.
Your last meal of the day should be consumed a minimum of three hours prior to going to bed. By keeping your body upright after eating, your food is digested more easily. The acid could easily rise if you lay down. Thus, you need to delay going to bed.
Fatty foods are much worse for anyone who suffers from acid reflux than healthier options. Foods rich in fat are harder to digest and can weaken the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus. They can also cause weight gain, and acid reflux is more prevalent in overweight people. By eating healthier, you will begin to feel healthier.
Acid Reflux
Stop smoking if you want to get rid of acid reflux. Smoking makes acid reflux worse, and may actually be a trigger. This is because smoking slows digestion and increases stomach acid, while reducing saliva production. It weakens the sphincter of the esophagus too. This is why you should quit today.
Our acid reflux can be triggered by specific foods. For example, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and fried foods are notorious culprits. Sometimes foods that are acidic, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, can also make things worse. However, triggers are an individual thing so you need to read your own body to just what is not working for you. To be perfectly safe, you can avoid all of these items.
Always remain in an upright position while eating and in the two to three hours following each meal. By lying down, acid can rise due to the fact that gravity is working against it. By sitting or standing upright, your acid reflux will be significantly improved.
If you are dealing with acid reflex, you definitely do not want to exercise right after you eat. When lower abdominal muscles tighten during a work out, this can lead to food moving back into the esophagus. Wait about two hours after your meal before you exercise.
Heart Attack
Reflux may be so painful that it may seem like a heart attack. Pay attention to chest pain. It could be a heart attack. Speak with your doctor about what course to take. Following your own unprofessional diagnosis could lead to serious problems.
An ideal weight helps you avoid acid reflux, so plan on losing any extra pounds. Obesity is a main cause of acid reflux. You can decrease the likelihood of acid reflux symptoms by reducing your body weight by a mere 10%. However, do not crash diet. Instead, lose weight by moderate exercise and consuming healthier, smaller meals.
Reduce any stress from your life, be it from work or school, your marriage or other personal problems. Too much stress is something that contributes to excess acid in one’s stomach, and that can lead to inflammation and heartburn. Therefore, you need to determine your stress triggers and eliminate or reduce them.
Stay away from alcoholic beverages. Alcohol greatly increases stomach acid production. If you need to drink alcohol on occasion, limit yourself to only a couple of glasses at the most; however, you really should aim to consume alcohol-free beverages when you can.
Try to avoid overly fatty foods. You should try to reduce the quantity of fried foods and fatty meats that you consume. Check the labels to avoid foods with hidden fat.
Take the time to relax. Eating while stressed can increase the amount of acid in your stomach. You should do some meditation or relaxation exercises after eating a meal. Avoid laying down after eating and wait at least three hours before going to bed.
Eat at least three hours ahead of bedtime. For instance, if you are shooting for a 10 P.M. bedtime, eat no later than 7 P.M. When you lie down with a full stomach, it puts extra pressure on the LES muscle. As a result, your acid reflux will flare up.
Limiting beverages at mealtime can reduce the chance of acid reflux. Liquid consumed with your meal with increase the volume of your stomach’s contents. This causes more pressure on the esophageal sphincter, which in turn causes acid reflux. Be sure to drink a glass of water between meals and drink very little with meals.
If you have acid reflux, you know how debilitating and disruptive it can be. Luckily, taking time to learn about it and what treatments are out there can prevent long-term suffering. With this advice, you can begin to eliminate the discomfort of acid reflux from your life.
