There’s no denying the discomfort that people with acid reflux experience daily. Truth be known though, knowledge can only help you improve how much you suffer from this condition. Don’t stop reading now, carry on and expand your knowledge base.
Stop smoking as soon as possible! Smoking can worsen or even cause acid reflux. This will result in more stomach acid and frequent occurrences of acid reflux. It also weakens the esophagus’ sphincter. That’s why you need to butt out today.
Acid Reflux
Foods rich in fat are not good for you if you suffer from acid reflux. Fatty foods encourage acids to flow in the wrong direction. Not only will it give you acid reflux, it will contribute to weight gain which makes the problem even worse. You need to make sure you eat healthier to stay healthy.
Pregnant women are also subject to acid reflux as well. The baby’s growth tends to crowd the contents of the stomach, forcing acid into the esophagus. Refrain from eating foods that have a high acid content. Alternatively, you can try some teas that soothe your esophagus and keep stomach acids down without harming your baby.
If you smoke, it’s time to quit. Acid reflux can be caused or worsened by the use of cigarettes or cigars. It slows down your digestive process, increases stomach acid, and slows down your saliva production. This can also have a negative effect on the esophagus. Today is the day to put those butts out for good!
Some foods can cause an episode of acid reflux when we eat them. For example, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and fried foods are notorious culprits. Citrus fruits and other acidic produce are also possible causes. You will have to find out what makes your acid reflux bad in particular. Just avoid these completely to be extra safe.
Stress serves to exacerbate acid reflux. When stress rears its head, acid production increases, causing reflux. Try to do something relaxing after each meal. Watch television, read a book or even meditate to relieve your stress.
If you drop excess pounds, you may find relief from reflux. One common reason for acid reflux is being overweight. Just losing a small amount of weight can help. Don’t crash diet to lose weight, instead start eating less and exercising more.
Do not lay down after you finish with a meal. When you lay down, your digestive tract can sometimes have difficulty with the food you have consumed. Remaining upright can avoid issues with your acid reflux and keep you feeling healthy.
After eating, avoid lying down for two to three hours. Lying down or reclining just serves to bring acid back up the esophagus. You should feel better, and reduce symptoms, by sitting or standing.
Take the time to eat slowly. Don’t eat too much at one time. It may help your condition to eat smaller meals instead of eating until you are completely full. Savor your meal and chew slowly. If you eat too fast or too much it can cause those dreaded acid reflux symptoms to flare up. Slow down and take some extra time to finish your meals.
Opt for a slipper elm lozenge. The active ingredient in the lozenge provides a protective coating for your digestive tract. They also help to calm coughing and soothe irritation. You can find them at most health food stores.
During pregnancy, you may suffer from acid reflux because the growing fetus places pressure on the stomach. Your doctor can advise you on treatments available to keep it at bay.
Relax to help ease your acid reflux symptoms. Overeating or eating during stressful periods can lead to production of stomach acid, which then leads to heartburn. When you finish a meal, try some relaxing exercise like deep breathing or meditation. Do not lie down following a meal, but keep yourself upright.
Eat at least three hours ahead of bedtime. Therefore, if you go to bed at 10 P.M., eat your last meal by 7 P.M. The reason for this is that acid reflux occurs when you lie down with a full stomach which places excessive pressure on the LES muscle. This will cause more acid reflux episodes.
Slippery elm lozenges can be helpful. These are derived from the bark of the slippery elm tree. They are natural and work to provide a soothing coating for your throat and internal organs. This type of lozenge soothes the throat and relieves hoarseness and coughing that often accompany acid reflux. These lozenges are found in many health food stores.
Extra Pounds
Lose some weight if you have extra pounds. Extra pounds really are responsible for a lot of acid reflux. Excess weight can compress the stomach, resulting in acid reflux. Sometimes losing some weight can help, too.
People with acid reflux should always avoid foods that trigger attacks. Examples of problematic foods include those that are fried, spicy, and high in fat. Liquid culprits include those that are caffeinated, carbonated or alcoholic. Everyone has different triggers, so if some of these items don’t bother you, you can keep enjoying them.
Don’t eat hot or spicy foods, especially after work. These include jalapenos, peppers, and many Mexican dishes. These spicy foods can trigger both acid reflux and indigestion, creating serious discomfort.
Avoid large meals near bedtime. Wait three hours between your dinner and your bedtime. If you lie down with your stomach full, digestive acids will move up into your esophagus and cause heartburn.
Don’t eat fatty foods. An easy way to do this is to stop eating fast food, red meat and fried foods. Make sure that you carefully read all food labels and other nutrition information on the label.
If there is blood in your vomit or stool, you need to see a physician immediately. This means the problem is something more serious than acid reflux, and you may need to undergo testing. Testing will rule out other diseases and help your doctor come up with a proper diagnosis.
What you drink is important when it comes to acid reflux. Have you ever replaced a meal with one or more cans of soda? Liquids increase the bulk of food in your stomach causing acid reflux.
If acid reflux is giving you grief, you may benefit from moderate physical activity. Going for a walk or doing some water aerobics are excellent ways to help address symptoms. The body will be upright, causing gravity to aid in digestion.
Keep an eye on your alcohol intake if you have acid reflux regularly. Alcohol, beer, liquor and wine included, tend to weaken your esophagus, causing reflux pain. You can surely have a drink once in a while, but try to steer clear of excessive drinking.
Cinnamon Gum
Cinnamon gum can really help alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Chewing the gum can help to neutralize the acidity of your stomach acids. It also increases swallowing. The acid will then settle back down toward your stomach.
When you are done eating, pop in a piece of cinnamon gum or a piece of fruit. Chewing gum will cause your body to produce more saliva. Saliva neutralizes the acid in your stomach, which may be the cause of your reflux. Avoid mint flavors, which may make reflux symptoms even worse. Be sure to carry a pack of fruit or cinnamon gum with you throughout your day.
Steer clear of mint gums following a meal in order to prevent reflux attacks. Your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) can become more relax due to the mint flavoring and promote heartburn. Fruit and cinnamon flavors make much better choices. The action of chewing gum helps your saliva to flow, this clears out the esophagus, improves your digestion, and decreases reflux.
Don’t drink when you eat. Drinking while you eat can put additional stress on your stomach. This excess stress and pressure make reflux happen. Regulate the amount you drink during a meal, and fill up your glass at other times throughout the day.
Smoking hurts your lungs and your stomach. That’s because smoking impedes digestion and increases stomach acid. It also reduces saliva production. All of this works against you when it comes to acid reflux. Smoking is also damaging to the digestive system.
Anyone that has acid reflux can tell you how irritating and disruptive it can be. You can stop the suffering now by educating yourself regarding acid reflux causes and treatments. Use this advice to help a loved one or yourself.
Shed your extra weight. Being overweight can cause acid reflux. It places unneeded pressure on the stomach, which leads to heartburn. You can gain some control of your acid reflux symptoms by losing weight.