Acid reflux is often described as an agonizing pain that is accompanied a burning sensation. Any acid reflux sufferer will attest to the irritation they have felt. Acid reflux has many causes and many remedies. Keep reading for some great acid reflux tips.
You have to quit smoking! Smoking worsens acid reflux and may actually cause it. Smoking reduces the production of saliva and slows down digestion, causing stomach acids to increase. It also weakens the esophagus’ sphincter. That’s why you should quit today.
Hot and spicy foods and seasonings can exacerbate reflux, so avoiding them can provide relief. These types of foods aggravate the build up of acid in the digestive tract, worsening your condition. You can easily avoid acid reflux if you do not eat spicy foods.
The slippery elm supplement can aid your acid reflux symptoms by helping to thicken the mucuous membranes in your stomach. This supplement is very effective at protecting your stomach from harmful stomach acid. Many people mix a tablespoon or two into some water and drink it after eating or just before bed.
Smoking can cause serious problems if you suffer from reflux. When you smoke, nicotine stimulates the production of stomach acid, exacerbating the problem. Avoid quitting cold turkey, as the added stress could actually intensify the problems with reflux. Take your time with your quit attempts.
Remain Upright
It’s important to remain upright when you are eating as well as up to three hours afterwards. Lying down directly after a meal can allow acid to travel up your esophagus with much greater ease. If you remain upright, your reflux should lessen.
Elevate your head above the bed. Use anything from books to bricks to increase the incline. Raise the head of the bed about six inches. By keeping your upper body elevated, you can prevent stomach acid from rising while sleeping.
Stay away from alcohol if you need to get rid of acid reflux. Alcohol not only causes acid to build up within your stomach, but can deteriorate your stomach lining, which can lead to acid reflux. Keep your alcohol intake to a minimum, or none at all, to avoid the symptoms of acid reflux.
Certain foods are known to trigger your acid reflux symptoms. Steer clear of these foods if you want to feel comfortable while eating. Try avoiding spicy foods, tomatoes, carbonated beverages, alcohol, caffeine, milk, acidic fruits juices, and greasy fast food.
Avoid reclining after eating. When you recline, your digestion slows down. You’ll keep your reflux at bay and feel a lot better if you try to stay upright more often.
Acid Reflux
Try exercises that keep you upright, like walking. Exercise like this can help lessen the acid reflux effects, for a variety of reasons. When you are standing upright, it is easier for digestion to occur. Additionally, exercise helps you lose weight and stay healthy, thus keeping acid reflux at bay. While moderate exercise is beneficial for acid reflux sufferers, vigorous exercise can exacerbate your symptoms.
Drop pounds. Extra weight, especially around the middle, can increase acid reflux symptoms. The fat around your mid-section puts extra pressure on your stomach and increases the likelihood of reflux. The more you lose, the less you will suffer.
Are you aware that a food’s tendency to be acidic or alkaline actually has no bearing on its relative pH? Foods you might think are acidic could be more alkaline after you digest them. If you have acid reflux, you may feel confused by this information. Learn all you can about food pH if acid reflux is an issue.
Acid reflux is unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. The condition lasts only as long as it is allowed to. There are different treatments and preventative measures you can use to eliminate acid reflux for good. With any luck, this article should help you in the future.