If you are finding it difficult to control your acid reflux, maybe you just don’t have the information you need to help prevent the symptoms. Thankfully there are plenty of natural solutions that can help curb the acid reflux symptoms, along with lots of other good remedies. Read on for some helpful information about treatment options so you can make an informed choice.
If you are a smoker, you must quit! Smoking makes acid reflux worse, and may actually be a trigger. It slows down the amount of saliva you produce, increases stomach acid, and slows down digestion. It causes the esophageal sphincter to weaken. That’s one more reason it is a great idea to quit.
Stay away from spicy foods and do not use hot sauces or peppers when cooking. Spicy foods can cause your stomach to produce more acid. You can find relief by minimizing your intake of these food items.
Slippery elm helps coat your stomach and reduces the impact of acid reflux on the stomach lining. This lining forms a protective barrier against acid. A tablespoon or two mixed with a cup of water before bed will often provide some relief.
Acid Reflux
Consider giving up smoking if you suffer from acid reflux. Nicotine sparks stomach acid production, causing a rise in acid reflux flares. Avoid quitting cold turkey since it could stress your body more and worsen reflux. Slowly slack off.
Don’t wear tight clothes. Pantyhose, belts and bands around the waist can be the worst. These types of clothing put extra added pressure on the stomach area. Heartburn and reflux can frequently result. Wear comfortable clothes that allow expansion for your stomach.
Exercising can really help to keep your acid reflux under control. However, it is important that you keep things moderate. Vigorous exercise can irritate your digestive system and even cause reflux. However, exercises that are more low-impact or moderate can help relieve acid reflux. Moderate your regimen as best as you can to help digestion. Moderate exercises will also contribute to weight loss and reduce the heartburn you experience.
If you’re pregnant, your baby could be pressing into your stomach, giving you acid reflux. Ask your doctor what you should if it happens to you.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm lozenge are a good natural remedy to try. You coat your digestive tract with a protective layer by sucking on slippery elm bark lozenges. When taken as a lozenge, it provides relief for reflux-related coughing. These lozenges are found in many health food stores.
The acidity of the food you eat really doesn’t affect the pH level. For example, you may think lemons are acidic; however, they are alkaline once digested. If you are afflicted with acid reflux, this might seem counter-intuitive to you. Therefore, you need to be aware of your food’s pH.
Work on relaxing. When you are stressed and you eat, stomach acids build up and cause heartburn. As soon as you finish eating, perform relaxation exercises, such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises. Don’t lay down after a meal.
Ingesting gluten can lead to acid reflux for many people. People with heartburn and acid reflux should avoid grains such as oats, barley and wheat. Instead, choose kamut, millet or quinoa.
Eating some of your favorite foods can be problematic if you have acid reflux. Use sugar in your meals to reduce the acid percentage. Sugar helps sweeten the sauce and makes it much easier to consume without pain.
Don’t drink beverages at mealtime. When you drink any kind of liquid with your meal, it increases stomach volume. This adds pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which increases the chances of getting reflux. Instead, consume water at other times of the day.
Don’t smoke if you suffer from acid reflux. Smoking can contribute to acid reflux. When you smoke you increase stomach acid and slow digestion. Smoking will also decrease saliva production, further hindering digestion. If you must smoke, try to wait a while after eating.
You might want to reconsider your sleeping habits if you have heartburn at night. Get into the habit of sleeping on your left side. This will help the stomach acids stay where they should be.
Caffeine and carbonation are not your friends if you suffer from reflux. These beverages can be acidic, causing you stomach discomfort. They can also irritate the stomach lining, which can make you feel more uncomfortable. Therefore, instead of caffeinated or carbonated beverages, consume herbal teas, such as green tea.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink if you deal with acid reflux often. Alcohol, including beer, wine and hard liquor, can weaken the esophagus, and this often leads to reflux discomfort. You can have the occasional drink, however try to avoid it in excess if you want to avoid acid reflux.
Now you have more information when it comes to acid reflux. Everything you have learned here should serve you well as you seek relief. You don’t need to suffer anymore since you can take control now.