When acid reflux is causing you pain and discomfort, there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain. Making certain changes in your lifestyle can also prevent you suffering from acid reflux again. Keep reading for some great tips to help you find relief from acid reflux.
It is important that you don’t eat too quickly if you suffer from acid reflux. The slower you eat, the better! Not only will it allow you to begin to break down the food in your stomach, it will ensure that you feel full when you really are full, something that doesn’t happen if you eat too quickly.
Exercise is an important habit for those who have GERD, but your timing is key. Wait for two hours after eating before you become active, and don’t follow your activity with a sports drink as they are acidic and can make your GERD flare up. Instead, drink water or milk to refuel.
Always keep gravity in mind. Remember that acid is being held down, so when you position your body in a way where down isn’t towards your feet, problems will ensue. Keep your head up and your stomach uncompressed, then you should be able to find relief from acid reflux all day long.
Chew a stick of gum, preferrably cinnamon, after your meal. Chewing gum causes an increase in your saliva production. This neutralizes stomach acid. Chewing also makes you swallow more, which helps to clear the esophagus of excess acid. You can use gums that come in fruit flavors as well. Do not, however, chew gum with mint in it. Mint can actually cause acid reflux, so you may just be making things worse.
Changing your lifestyle could decrease the discomforts you feel from acid reflux. Watch your diet so you can avoid foods that trigger the reflux. Reduce the stress you feel each day. Stress could cause the body to produce more acid. Shed a few pounds. The excess weight you carry could be putting pressure on your stomach and cause acid backup.
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.
Eating slower has been shown to help with the symptoms of acid reflux. This gives your stomach a chance to adjust to the food that you are taking in. Try chewing your food a minimum of 25 times and really savor the food you are eating. Eat only until you are comfortably full and never till you are stuffed.
Try to drink mostly in between meals if you suffer from acid reflux. When your stomach is full of food an liquid, the lower esophageal sphincter is under constant pressure. This can cause it to allow the food and acid in your stomach to come back up into your esophagus and destroy the lining within.
Speak to a doctor if you feel like your acid reflux is not improving from the antacids that you are taking on a daily basis. Sometimes, you may need a serious form of medication that you doctor can prescribe, which can improve your symptoms. A professional’s diagnosis may be the solution to your acid reflux issues.
Quit smoking immediately to prevent acid reflux from occurring. Smoking cigarettes can increase the nicotine content that enters your body, which can damage your esophagus. A damaged esophagus can lead to more acid buildup in your body and trigger acid reflux episodes. Also, smoking will help you to live a healthier lifestyle and reduce esophageal cancer.
You may wish to give up spicy foods, as they may be a large factor in your acid reflux attacks. Start first by completely avoiding spicy foods altogether and see if this helps. If it does, then slowly start working spicy foods back into your diet in order to find what your tolerance level is.
Make exercise a part of your healthy eating plan. Moderate exercise can facilitate the process involved in digesting your food properly, and it can also help you to lose excess pounds. Both of these things can have a positive effect on acid reflux problems. Make a point to work out at a moderate level at least three times a week for best results.
Stay away from fast food if you want to prevent acid reflux from happening during the day. Fast food contains a lot of fat, which can build up in your stomach and cause acid to build up. Eat healthy meals if you want to feel fresh, energized and free of pain.
You do not have to grit your teeth and bear the discomfort of acid reflux. As stated above, there are many things you can do to relieve the pain and prevent it from happening again. Follow the tips and tricks above to help yourself find relief from your acid reflux.
