If you suffer from acid reflux, rest assured that you are not alone. In fact, nearly 1/3 of all Americans suffer from this condition. Symptoms such as heartburn, burning in the chest and throat and nausea can really hinder someones quality of life. Luckily, the article below has some great tips on how you can prevent this.
Stop eating for a period of three hours or more before going to sleep. When you remain upright, your stomach acid and food is pulled down into the stomach. Laying down can cause both to rise again. Therefore, stay in an upright position for at least three hours.
Stress can cause your muscles to contract, and when this happens to your stomach, acid will be pushed upwards. Try some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation to reduce your stress and help you deal with situations which can be emotionally tumultuous. When you master these techniques, acid reflux may be reduced.
If you suffer with acid reflux, understand how gravity can work in your favor. Sitting upright will help keep food and fluids down after meals, so keep yourself straight. Avoid lying down or even slightly reclining in your favorite chair as this will exacerbate reflux symptoms quickly. Try going for a short and healthy walk instead!
Do not wear clothes that are too tight if you want to limit acid reflux. Belts, pantyhose and tight pants can push against your waistline and cause inflammation. Wear clothing that you feel comfortable in when you are in motion and sitting down at work to limit acid reflux from occurring.
If over the counter medicine isn’t giving you acid reflux relief, try pineapple for a more natural solution. Pineapple contains bromelain, which has been shown to lessen acid reflux symptoms. Bromelain is only present in fresh pineapple or fresh pineapple juice, however. Canned pineapple and store bought juices will not contain bromelain.
Take your time during your meal to prevent acid reflux. Be aware of the size of the portions you are consuming – don’t overeat. Eat while sitting down, slowly eat your food and savor it without focusing on anything else. Stuffing yourself and wolfing down your food will surely lead to acid reflux. You can try setting your fork down between bites to slow yourself down.
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.
Stay calm. Stress can cause you to overeat, making your condition much worse. You should do something relaxing after eating. Avoid laying down immediately after a meal; sit upright instead.
Acid reflux can be difficult to deal with. If you watch what you eat you can alleviate many of the symptoms. Avoiding fatty foods is very important. Fatty steaks, chicken wings, deep fried foods and pizza are all high in fat. These fats make your stomach work harder and increase the likelihood of acid reflux symptoms.
Acid reflux disease is not a condition that you should try to diagnose yourself. Any symptoms you experience should be checked out by a doctor. Certain heart disorders, ulcers and other conditions can actually mimic acid reflux. To determine whether it’s reflux or not, your doctor can do some medical testing.
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.
One way to help your body combat acid reflux is by increasing your intake of certain amino acids, one of which is called glutamine. Glutamine can be found in certain foods such as eggs, fish, spinach, milk and a variety of different foods. Increasing your intake of these types of foods will help you combat your acid reflux.
Cinnamon gum is a great way of reducing your acid reflux after a meal. Chewing gum will cause you to produce more saliva, which means your stomach will have more acid to digest your food. Avoid minty flavors that are too acid for your stomach if it is already sensitive.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, living with acid reflux can really impact your life in a negative way. Nothing is worse than having an aversion to eating because of the possible effects it may have on you. Use the tips given above to help you fight back against your acid reflux.
