Dealing with acid reflux is no laughing matter. The suffering those who have this condition deal with daily can be debilitating. Thankfully, there are some options out there which will help you tame your acid reflux once and for all. Keep reading for some simple tips which will help to change your life forever.
Keep a diet diary. Everyone is different, and which foods will trigger your acid reflux may not be the same as mine. Write down how you feel before, during and after each meal, and include a list of what you eat and drink all day. After a month, you should have a clearer picture of which foods cause you the most grief.
Your eating style can bring on acid reflux. Many folks eat way too fast and have far too much food in each meal. Don’t do either of these things! You should stop when you feel full. Eat slower when at the table. Chew each bite slowly and savor the flavor.
You should drink when your meal concludes and not while in the process of eating. This can significantly help you manage hunger pains, because you are likely thirsty rather than hungry. In addition, doing so will help your stomach and will keep the acid down.
If you stay at a weight that is healthy you will be unlikely to suffer from GERD. All the extra weight on your esophagus can cause the muscles at the base to loosen, allowing acid up into your esophagus. Once you tone up, your sphincter will tighten and the acid will stay put.
To help get a good night’s rest, place a wedge or some object under the mattress. This will prop up your head and allow the acid to stay in the right place. Prop your mattress with a plank or some book to make sure your head is elevated. Electronic beds which can raise the upper portion of the bed are also available too.
It is a good idea to raise the head of your bed if you have been experiencing acid reflux issues frequently. When you are lying flat, it gives the stomach contents an easier way of refluxing. You should raise the mattress about 6-8 inches in order to get the best results.
Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight. Tight pantyhose, waistbands, and belts usually fall into this category. When you wear clothes that are uncomfortably tight, a great deal of pressure is exerted on your stomach. Heartburn and reflux can frequently result. Try wearing clothes that are comfortable and allow your stomach to breathe.
Certain foods will cause your acid reflex to act up. Chocolate is one of them, unfortunately. Also try to avoid mint, ketchup, mustard and even mint. If you are able to change your diet even just a little bit, you should feel much better and should have less episodes going forward.
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.
Get in shape to reduce acid reflux. Obesity often occurs with acid reflux. Just losing ten percent of your weight can cause acid reflux symptoms to diminish noticeably. If you are trying to lose weight, make sure you use a sensible eating plan.
Do not take large bites when you are eating a meal if you want to feel comfortable and prevent the burning sensation from acid reflux. It is important for your body to break down the food that you put in your mouth, especially meats. Take small bites and chew your food for at least 10 seconds to feel comfortable during and after your meal.
Avoid Certain Foods. Some foods are more likely to trigger acid reflux than others. These include caffeine, spicy food, alcohol, tomatoes, chocolate, and any foods that are acidic in nature. If you frequently suffer from acid reflux, consider eliminating these foods from your diet, or at least try not to eat them in the hours before you go to bed.
Consider taking a proton pump inhibitor. Drugs such as omeprazole work to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces, stopping acid reflux at the source. Make sure you talk to your doctor before starting these types of medicine, even those that can be obtained over-the-counter. You will need to make sure that too much acid in the stomach is the cause of your acid reflux.
With this knowledge in mind and your desire to feel better, you should now be equipped with the tips you need to tackle acid reflux. Start changing your life one step at a time and relief will be yours in no time. All it takes is a little determination to end your suffering once and for all.
