Do you experience chest pains? Does it seem to worsen when you are resting? Do you feel it mostly after eating? Do you get a bitter taste? Do you frequently find your throat hoarse? These are all symptoms of reflux, but there are options when it comes to relief.
Stay away from acidic foods. They can both cause and exacerbate acid reflux. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, try to avoid oranges, tomatoes, grapefruit and vinegar. If you can’t cut them out of your diet completely, at least try to avoid eating them in the evenings, so acid reflux doesn’t strike when it is time for bed.
Slow down! When you eat more slowly, your body is able to keep up with what is being deposited in your stomach. This means that it will know that it is full when it truly is full, and you will eat less. If you overeat, you’ll find your acid reflux goes crazy.
Don’t just assume your acid reflux is a fact of life or consequence of your active lifestyle. If you find yourself suffering through frequent bouts of discomfort related to acid reflux, see your doctor. It may be something you ate or an indication that you need to slow down in life, but it could also be something else you need to take care of.
The more fluid you drink during your meal, the more volume is placed in your stomach. This causes more distension in the stomach and adds pressure to the lower sphincter of the esophagus, creating the perfect condition for acid reflux. Try drinking between meals and drink water in small sips rather than big gulps.
To reduce acid reflux symptoms, try avoiding spicy foods like peppers and hot sauce. Spicy foods can cause your stomach to produce more acid. You can experience relief by avoiding this type of food.
Eating large portions is a huge cause of acid reflux in a lot of people. When the stomach is too full, it puts too much pressure on the muscles in your stomach. It is better to eat five smaller meals instead of three larger ones. You will eat the same amount, but you will reduce the amount of acid your body produces.
There are many over-the-counter medications you can take for acid reflux. They are called antacids and they work by stopping excess acid production. Just be aware that no one medication works for everyone. If you try one and it is not effective for you, keep trying others until you find the right one for you.
If you are pregnant and experiencing acid reflux, try to relax. This problem is often no longer an issue after you have the baby. It is a symptom of the baby pushing on all of your innards causing the acid in your belly to rise. Watch what you eat and avoid laying down until an hour has passed after you eat.
When you complete your meal, do not lie down on your back or stomach. This position uses gravity to build up acid in your stomach, which is one of the main reasons why you get acid reflux and heartburn. Walk around your home or do the dishes after you eat to prevent this from happening.
Chew a stick of gum if you feel like your acid reflux issue is not under control at night. A stick of gum can increase the amount of saliva that you have in your mouth, which can help push down the acid that is getting into your esophagus from your stomach.
When working out to help your acid reflux, be cautious of what and when you consume food and beverages. Eating too soon or eating and drinking the wrong things can negate the positive effects of exercise for your reflux. You should wait at least two hours after a workout to eat. Don’t drink sports drinks since their acidity can trigger your reflux.
Learn to manage the stress in your life if you’ve been experiencing frequent symptoms of acid reflux. A nervous stomach will certainly exacerbate your problem and make diagnosing the real causes difficult. Eat in a calm environment and savor each bite. Forget about the stress in your life at least during the meal; it’s better for your mind and body.
Boost the head of your bed. This tilts your head upwards and ensures your esophagus is never on the same parallel as your stomach. Imagine lying a full glass of water down on a table – the contents will pour out. The same happens to your stomach when you lay flat.
Those symptoms you are feeling may not be a heart attack. It’s not a cold and not just a simple bad reaction to something you ate. You are suffering from acid reflux, and thanks to the great advice provided above, you now know how to manage it. Make time and put in effort to feel better.
