Acid reflux is a condition that affects countless individuals and causes everything from minor irritation to debilitating pain. The key to managing the condition successfully is knowledge. Read the information that follows below, and you will be prepared to deal with the symptoms of acid reflux and live the pain-free life you deserve.
Don't overeat. Only eat until you feel sated, your stomach stops growling and ends your hunger discomfort. If you become hungry again shortly after eating, drink a glass of water instead of having a snack. When you eat too much, your stomach has trouble digesting and you may find acid reflux rears its ugly head.
Enjoy your food. If you savor each bite, investigating the flavors and truly allowing yourself to taste it, you will chew more and even eat less. Your stomach will realize it's full when you eat slowly, which allows you to keep your weight in check by eating less and also keep your stomach from overfilling.
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 fattier a food is, the worse the acid reflux becomes. Foods rich in fat are harder to digest and can weaken the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus. Fatty foods also cause weight gain. People who are overweight tend to suffer from acid reflux. The healthier you eat, the healthier you are!
To help avoid acid reflux, take your time and chew your food slowly. This technique helps you to avoid overeating. When you overeat, food is pressed in the top of your stomach; thus, it allows stomach acids to build up in you esophagus. For best results, eat small meals often.
If you plan to exercise rigorously, drink lots of water while you work out. This not only hydrates you; it helps to aid in digestion. It also washes acid down and out of your esophagus, keeping it in your stomach where it belongs. If this still doesn't help, talk to your doctor about medications.
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.
When you complete your meal, do not lie down on your back or stomach. This position uses gravity to build up acid in your stomach, which is one of the main reasons why you get acid reflux and heartburn. Walk around your home or do the dishes after you eat to prevent this from happening.
Do not lay down right after eating if acid reflux is a problem for you. Laying down can make it hard for your digestive system to work properly. Remaining in a seated position allows you to bypass the unpleasant effects of acid reflux.
Immediately after you have consumed a meal, do not lie flat. This can cause the food you have eaten to remain trapped in your esophagus, worsening acid reflux. Instead, walk around and remain upright for at least two hours. Doing this will assist in digestion, which will relieve your acid reflux.
If there are not enough reasons to quit smoking, here is one more. Quitting smoking will greatly reduce the likelihood of contracting GERD. The digestion process is slowed down by smoking and it also increases production of stomach acid. Smoking reduces the production of saliva which is the body's defense against stomach acid.
Although not always the case, tight clothing can sometimes cause acid reflux. If a belt or waistband seems tight, try loosening your clothing to relieve the discomfort. When too much pressure is put on your midsection, gastric acid can be forced from the stomach and upward into your esophagus, creating the burning sensation.
Add a few fermented foods to your regular diet if you are trying to eliminate any acid reflux issues you have. These foods help to stabilize the stomach if you eat them in moderate amounts. Foods that are including in this category include all types of pickles, kimchee and sauerkraut.
If you are smoker, you should quit immediately. Smoking can affect your digestion and cause acid reflux. Talk to your doctor if you need help with quitting and keep in mind that you will see a difference once your stomach acids are back to normal, which could take a few weeks without cigarettes.
Keep your clothing loose and comfortable. Tight clothing can put extra pressure on the abdominal region, bringing about problems like GERD and reflux. Never try to push yourself into a pair of jeans or wear a girdle if you suffer from such problems. Staying comfortable is key if you want to avoid reflux discomfort.
If you have acid reflux, there are some natural solutions that will help reduce some of your heartburn. If you begin using calcium supplements, you can start alleviating heartburn. The reason why calcium can reduce, or even prevent, heartburn is because it strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Since calcium isn't an anti-acid, it won't provide fast relief. However, over time, it will provide long-term relief.
Are you suffering with the painful heartburn associated with acid reflux? A natural solution to alleviate this pain can be found in your kitchen. Juicing can help give you relief. Cabbage juice, carrot juice and aloe vera juice are nutrient sources that provide relief. Since these juices sooth the esophagus, they can bring you safe relief.
There is no denying the potential of acid reflux to complicate the lives of those who suffer from it. However, with a bit of good information and insight, it is possible to handle the condition skillfully in a way that enables to you lead a normal life. With any luck, this article has provided you with just that.