Do you have heartburn? Are you feeling extra bloated after a large meal? If so, you may have acid reflux. This condition affects millions of people around the world, yet many still don’t know how to treat it. Luckily, the following article has some tried and true methods to help you deal with your acid reflux.
Chew your food. The more you chew your food, the less work your stomach will have to do. This also slows down the rate at which you are eating, which allows your stomach to keep up with its fullness level. Once you’ve eaten enough, your stomach will alert your brain and you’ll feel full.
Try to reduce stress at all costs to reduce acid reflux. Acid is produced when you put excess tension on your body. To combat this tendency, you should make every attempt to relax, before, during and after every meal. Some examples include reading, listening to music, watching television, meditating or taking a little stroll.
Avoid eating spicy foods including those with hot peppers in them. These foods can lead to painful acid reflux after eating, so not eating them can easily remedy your discomfort. Instead, focus on spices which don’t lead to pain, such as cinnamon or herbs. They taste great and leave you comfortable post-meal.
Believe it or not, your clothing can affect how often you get acid reflux. Clothing that fits too tightly around the midsection will put excess pressure on the stomach, making reflux occur more often and with more pain. Opt for clothing with a loose fit. Only wear pants and belts that are tight enough to stay up without pressing too hard on the midsection.
Does your voice crack now and then? If you have a hoarse voice, it could be caused by stomach acid rising into your throat. No, you are not getting a cold. It is acid reflux. Medications, altering your diet and staying upright after you eat could help you get your voice back. If the problem persists, see your doctor.
Did you know that smoking cigarettes could be contributing to your problem with acid reflux? Nicotine causes the esophageal sphincter to relax. When it relaxes, it can allow acid to come up and cause you pain. Kick the habit and you might just kick the acid reflux problem at the same time.
What you drink will affect your acid reflux just as much as what you eat. Anything with caffeine should be avoided. In addition, carbonated beverages will cause you to have issues, as will alcohol. Be mindful of what you consume, and try to stick with water whenever possible if you want to be on the safe side.
Exercise daily to help reduce acid reflux. These exercises should be low impact exercises such as walking. Gravity is known to help decrease the odds of acid reflux; therefore, go for a walk after eating to lessen the effects of stomach upset and increased stomach acids. Exercising will also help you lose weight which will aid in reducing acid reflux.
If you suffer from acid reflux, avoid laying down immediately after consuming a meal. When you lay down, your digestive tract can sometimes have difficulty with the food you have consumed. If you remain upright, you will feel much better.
Try some natural ways to reduce the effects of acid reflux in your body. There are lots of medications that you can take to help with your acid reflux, but why take them if you can control it naturally? Try to eat foods that are alkaline. Foods such as milk, bananas, almonds, tofu and avocados are all alkaline foods.
Avoid lying down after you’ve eaten. If you are prone to acid reflux, avoid laying flat for at least two hours after a snack or meal. Standing or walking can actually help your gastric juices start flowing properly. When you do go to sleep, try keeping the upper portion of your body elevated using a foam wedge or some books under the mattress or propping up your legs with blocks or books.
Tell your doctor about all of the medications that you are taking at the moment, as there can be a relation between them and your acid reflux. Medications can worsen your symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of your stomach and esophageal function. A drug-free lifestyle may be the answer to your acid reflux.
Try bending your knees back and forth for at least 10 minutes during the day and night. This motion can help improve the flow of liquids down your esophagus and help facilitate your acid reflux symptoms. You can do this in the comfort of your own home or as part of your exercise regimen for relief.
As was stated in the beginning of this article, acid reflux affects millions of adults. Instead of suffering in silence, take the necessary steps to combat your acid reflux so that you can live a happy and pain free life again. Implement what you have just learned and get ready to say goodbye to that annoying acid reflux.
