If acid reflux has been a problem for you, you are already aware of what a nuisance it is. This condition can make you very uncomfortable during the day or night. That said, there are ways to deal with the problem. The following information will teach you what you must know about acid reflux.
It’s time to quit smoking! Smoking can cause acid reflux. It slows down your digestive process, increases stomach acid, and slows down your saliva production. The esophagus becomes weak when you light up too. Therefore, stop smoking immediately to help your condition.
To help alleviate acid reflux symptoms, try eating less spicy food. These types of foods worsen your acid reflux because they build up acid in the digestive tract. Kicking spicy foods out of your diet can often promote instant relief.
Stress can cause acid reflux. When stress rears its head, acid production increases, causing reflux. Try to do something relaxing after each meal. Read a good book, take a leisurely walk, meditate or spend time with friends and family.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is often made worse by trigger foods. Among them are chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and fried foods. Additionally, acidic fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits and tomatoes contribute to acid reflux. Triggers vary by person, so you should learn from your own experience as to what does and doesn’t cause you problems. Avoid all these if you want to be on the safe side.
After you eat, try to chew some cinnamon gum. Whenever you chew gum, your saliva production increases. Saliva helps to neutralize the acid of the stomach. Also, when chewing gum, more swallowing occurs, making acid go back down from the stomach to the esophagus. You can also try fruity flavored gum. Mint gums are not a good idea, as they cause the sphincter of the esophagus to relax, making matters worse.
Consider consuming slipper elm lozenges. The slippery elm bark is used to make these lozenges and it coats the digestive tract and puts a protective layer on it. It can also help relieve any coughing reflux may cause. These lozenges can be found at most health foods stores.
Extra Weight
Lose a few pounds if you need to. Extra weight isn’t good for anyone who suffers from reflux. This is because it can cause stomach acid to work its way into your esophagus. Your esophageal lining becomes inflamed and uncomfortable as a result. A healthy lifestyle that is full of exercise and a balanced diet will help lose some extra weight and avoid having it come back.
While a food that tastes acidic seems like it would cause stomach problems, that isn’t necessarily the case. Lemons, while acidic foods, are alkaline once digestion takes place. This causes confusion for many acid reflux sufferers. However, by learning about your food’s natural pH, you can help alleviate acid reflux.
The tendency of a particular food to form acid when digested has little correlation with the initial pH of that food. Foods you believe are acidic, including lemons, are extremely alkaline after they have been digested. This can really confuse you. Learning about the pH of different foods can make it easier to avoid reflux symptoms.
Try to eat your final meal about three hours prior to bed. If your regular bed time is 11 P.M., your last meal should be consumed by 8 P.M. When you lie down with a full stomach, it puts extra pressure on the LES muscle. This is a major trigger of acid reflux.
It is important that you refrain from eating at least three hours before bedtime. Your body has a harder time trying to process food in a sleep state. Eating right before bed increases the chances of waking up with heartburn.
Reach a healthy weight. Being overweight can worsen acid reflux symptoms. The extra weight can place a lot of pressure on your abdomen and lead to reflux. Just losing a couple of pounds can be of help.
Don’t drink beverages at mealtime. Drinking while eating increases the volume of your stomach contents. This puts more pressure on the esophagus sphincter, leading to increased risk of acid reflux. Avoid drinking while you eat your meals.
Visit your doctor if you see that your vomit is filled with blood. These are symptoms of a far more serious problems than acid reflux. Testing will rule out other diseases and help your doctor come up with a proper diagnosis.
You should not let acid reflux make you feel miserable. A few simple tricks can be used to keep your reflux under control. Use the tips above and your life will be yours again.