Do you have heartburn? Are you feeling extra bloated after a large meal? If so, you may have acid reflux. This condition affects millions of people around the world, yet many still don’t know how to treat it. Luckily, the following article has some tried and true methods to help you deal with your acid reflux.
Try to avoid drinking anything while you eat. When you drink, your stomach fills up and expands, which can cause distension. This puts pressure on the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus, sometimes causing food to pass back up through it. When this happens, acid reflux has begun, as will your suffering.
Limit your liquid intake with meals if you’re prone to acid reflux. Even healthy beverages like water can fill up your stomach fast, creating conditions that are conducive to acid reflux. Sip your beverage conservatively and never gulp it down. Wait a half an hour after a big meal to enjoy quenching your thirst.
Believe it or not, your clothing can affect how often you get acid reflux. Clothing that fits too tightly around the midsection will put excess pressure on the stomach, making reflux occur more often and with more pain. Opt for clothing with a loose fit. Only wear pants and belts that are tight enough to stay up without pressing too hard on the midsection.
Limit the amount of fluids you intake while eating. Fluids add volume to the food you are eating, which will result in overfilling your stomach and allowing stomach acids to rise into your esophagus resulting in acid reflux. By limiting the amount of fluids you ingest, you can help prevent acid reflux.
Wait to exercise after you eat. If you put off your exercise by at least an hour, the food will have a better chance to digest. Physical exertion right after you eat could cause the food to move back up toward the esophagus. This could be very uncomfortable and hard to fight.
Did you know that smoking cigarettes could be contributing to your problem with acid reflux? Nicotine causes the esophageal sphincter to relax. When it relaxes, it can allow acid to come up and cause you pain. Kick the habit and you might just kick the acid reflux problem at the same time.
Do not lie down immediately after you have eaten. Laying down can make it hard for your digestive system to work properly. Sitting is the best way to keep acid inside your stomach, even if your esophageal sphincter is relaxed.
Try drinking less during a meal to help with your acid reflux. Liquids can cause food to expand in your body, and they increase the volume of foods inside of your body. Instead, consider eating your meals first, and then enjoy your beverage about fifteen minutes after your meal is through.
Chew gum after your meals. Believe it or not, chewing gum can help alleviate acid reflux because it encourages saliva production. Saliva helps eliminate stomach acid. In addition, you will likely swallow more often, which further helps clear acid. Aim to chew cinnamon or fruit-flavored gum rather than mint because mint could worsen your acid reflux.
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.
If you are not too keen on the idea of taking medication to control your acid reflux, there is still something you can do to. Many foods can naturally help you combat your acid reflux. Herbal licorice has the ability to naturally coat your stomach with a protective gel when it is taken in tincture or tea form.
If you are big into exercising, be moderate about your high-impact exercises. Major exertion in these hardcore fitness regimens can actually make your acid reflux worse. Instead, mix it up and get some time with more moderate fitness routines. A great choice is a long walk at a medium speed.
You probably already know that acid reflux is caused by stomach acids splashing back into the esophagus. If you are chronically suffering from heartburn or a sensation that you have food lodged in your throat and over-the-counter anti-acids are not bringing you relief, you need to see a physician. Since chronic acid reflux is indicative of a malfunction of the sphincter which separates the esophagus from the small intestines, a medical professional can confirm the diagnosis with endoscopy. If left untreated, acid reflux can evolve into GERD, a more serious condition.
As was stated in the beginning of this article, acid reflux affects millions of adults. Instead of suffering in silence, take the necessary steps to combat your acid reflux so that you can live a happy and pain free life again. Implement what you have just learned and get ready to say goodbye to that annoying acid reflux.
