Acid reflux is known for the tremendous pain it can cause. But, many things can be done to make the lives of those with acid reflux more tolerable. The following article will help you manage this disease.
Acid reflux commonly occurs during pregnancy. A growing child puts pressure on the stomach, which can push the acids of the stomach into the windpipe. It’s easy to deal with symptoms by avoiding foods high in fat or acidity. You could also enjoy gentle herb teas that will help reduce acid but will not harm your baby.
Hot and spicy foods and seasonings can exacerbate reflux, so avoiding them can provide relief. These ingredients stimulate acid production, which cause your problem to become more pronounced. You will usually find relief by avoiding these foods.
Acid Reflux
Smoking causes acid reflux, so if you have this problem and you smoke you are well advised to stop. The nicotine in cigarettes creates acid in the stomach, causing acid reflux. But when it is time to quit smoking, do it with some help. Cold turkey puts the body under stress and this can make your acid reflux problems worse. Gradually quit smoking instead.
Do not exercise within an hour of eating your meal. Food that is in your stomach can be forced up into your esophagus when your lower abdominal muscles contract while exercising. Wait a couple of hours after you eat before doing any physical activity.
Chew a stick of cinnamon gum after meals. Chewing facilitates the production of saliva. This will help neutralize acids in your stomach. Also, people swallow much more often when they are chewing gum, and this will clear out any acid that is in the esophagus. You can also try fruity flavored gum. Many people enjoy using chewing gum, if you are one of them, avoid mint since it can relax your esophagus and encourage reflux.
If you suffer with acid reflux, don’t lay down after eating. Your digestive system has issues and the acid moves when you decide to lie down after eating. You will feel better and avoid acid reflux by staying upright.
Slim down. Excess weight in the abdominal region can increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Fat around your midsection puts pressure on your stomach, which causes the reflux. Losing just a bit of weight can often bring welcome relief.
Work on drinking only in between your meals if acid reflux is plaguing you. Your esophageal sphincter experiences constant pressure whenever your stomach is filled with liquid. When this happens, stomach acid moves upward and damages your esophageal lining.
Slippery Elm Lozenges
Slippery elm lozenges are optimal to help with your acid reflux. The active ingredient, slippery elm bark, protects the lining of your digestive tract. It can make your throat feel better and relieve the cough that often comes with reflux when you suck on the lozenge. Slippery elm lozenges can be purchased at many health food stores.
Stay away from high-fat foods. You will need to cut out high-fat processed foods, fast foods and red meat that is high in fat. Check the labels to avoid foods with hidden fat.
Tomato-based foods such as spaghetti can frequently trigger your acid reflux. Therefore, if you are preparing foods with tomato sauces, you can reduce their acidity by adding some sugar. The sauce will be sweeter and more easily digested.
Speak with your doctor to determine what the right method is for you. Fundoplication is a very effective form of surgery for this condition. In this surgery, a new valve is created to reduce the acid that escapes into the esophagus. This procedure is a tool used to permanently get rid of acid reflux.
Stop smoking now. On top of helping your lungs heal, quitting aids in curbing acid reflux. Smoking increases stomach acid production and slows down digestion. It also reduces saliva production. If you are a smoker, at least do not smoke for two hours following a meal.
Try not to consume too much liquid when you have your meals. Liquids add to the food you digest, which can cause stomach distension. If your stomach is overstuffed, it puts unnecessary pressure on your lower esophagus. When this muscle relaxes, reflux can frequently occur.
To help prevent having an attack of acid reflux, you must pay strict attention to the liquids you are drinking and how much of it you consume. Try to steer clear of coffee, carbonated beverages and alcohol when you suffer from acid reflux. Stick with water whenever possible and skip the other drinks if you are dealing with this affliction.
You should avoid chewing minty gum if you have a sensitive stomach. The chemicals in the mint will relax the muscles that stop acid from escaping from your stomach. Cinnamon and fruit flavored gums are better choices. The additional saliva produced by chewing gum can relax the esophagus and lessen the pain of acid reflux.
While most people are aware that smoking damages your lungs, they don’t realize that it can also disrupt your digestion. It hinders digestion and elevates stomach acid levels. It also reduces saliva production. All these factors increase the probability of acid reflux. Not to mention smoking causes digestive system damage.
Acid reflux really does interrupt the lives of those it afflicts. Luckily, with information you can do something about it. Use the tips from this article to get rid of your acid reflux for good.
