Acid reflux is a frustrating condition that impacts the lives of many. The best way to manage the symptoms of acid reflux and lessen the pain that often results is to study as much as possible about the topic. The information that follows below is intended to provide you with a strong knowledge based from which to work.
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.
When eating, never lie down! It is important that you sit in a sturdy chair with good posture. Allow your stomach to be decompressed and your esophagus to be fully extended. As you eat, enjoy every bite of your food so that you eat slowly and chew fully, then you may avoid acid reflux afterward.
You may need to change your diet if you suffer from acid reflux disease. Sugary and processed foods increase the amount of acid that is produced in your stomach, the cause of acid reflux disease. Fruits and vegetables are great foods to eat that do not cause or worsen acid reflux.
The way you sit after eating can affect acid reflux and can keep it from traveling up your esophagus. After eating, try to remain sitting upright for around two to three hours before lying down. If you’re having problems when you lay down later, prop your head up about six inches.
Avoid certain foods. Certain foods can trigger acid reflux, so it’s important to avoid them. Stay away from spicy, greasy or acidic foods, and try to avoid caffeine and alcohol. This is especially important if you are eating a late meal; whenever possible eat dinner at least three hours before bedtime.
When you are done eating a meal, prevent acid reflux by chewing on some gum. More saliva is produced when you chew some gum. The more saliva that is produced during digestion, the less acid is produced, in turn, preventing acid reflux from occurring. Ideally, you should chew on sugar-free gum.
When you eat high fat foods like fried chicken, your stomach empties very slowly. This allows it to become distended and your esophagus may fill up with acid. Choose healthier foods like lean proteins or beans to avoid this situation and you should be able to control your acid reflux like a pro.
To help alleviate acid reflux symptoms, try eating less spicy food. These types of foods worsen your acid reflux because they build up acid in the digestive tract. Avoid these items and you will feel better right away.
Don’t just treat the symptoms of acid reflux with antacids. This does nothing to help reverse the damage caused to the esophagus caused by acid. You’ll need to make lifestyle changes that prevent acid reflux from occurring to allow the esophagus to heal itself and prevent serious problems in the future.
Keep a journal. If you can track when and what you are doing when you have an acid attack, you might be able to alter your life to eliminate those attacks. Write down what you eat, what you have done that day and if you have had any discomforts. You may be surprised at what you find and how easy it is to eliminate some of your problems.
Learn how to combat stress. This can be a major cause of symptom exacerbation, leading to acid production and pain. Seek out a cure for what’s causing you to feel anxious and get it out of your life as soon as possible.
A moderate exercise plan that includes activities like walking that keeps you standing up is best for acid reflux sufferers. This will help you to push back acid into your stomach. For one thing, staying upright allows you to take advantage of the gravity when it comes to digestion. Moderate exercise can also help you to lose weight and reduce symptoms. Don’t work out too hard or you’ll find your reflux is exacerbated.
Wear clothes that are loose-fitting and comfortable. If you wear clothes that are too constricting and tight, they will put added pressure around your abdomen and your lower esophageal sphincter. When your abdomen area is free from any added stress, it can do its job much better and tight fitting clothes do not allow this.
The pain and suffering caused by acid reflux cannot be overstated. In order to get a good handle on the condition and keep symptoms and pain to a minimum, it is necessary to learn everything you can about it. Review the above material as often as necessary in order to get your condition well in hand.
