Trying to get rid of your acid reflux can sometimes seem like a never-ending battle. You have to make sure you know what remedies are out there so you can make a well-informed decision. You don't want to make things worse, and you don't want to leave it hanging there, as acid reflux over time can turn into worse situations for you.
If you are experiencing acid reflux issues and you do not have an antacid on hand, you can use baking soda to alleviate the problem. One spoon of baking soda mixed with a cup of water is a simple and inexpensive antacid. You will start to feel relief within a few minutes of taking it.
Always keep gravity in mind. Remember that acid is being held down, so when you position your body in a way where down isn't towards your feet, problems will ensue. Keep your head up and your stomach uncompressed, then you should be able to find relief from acid reflux all day long.
If you have been having any acid reflux symptoms over an extended period of time, make sure that you go in to be seen by a doctor. You may think that this condition is not that serious, but if it is not treated it can lead to more serious health issues, including ulcers and gastritis.
Eating large portions is a huge cause of acid reflux in a lot of people. When the stomach is too full, it puts too much pressure on the muscles in your stomach. It is better to eat five smaller meals instead of three larger ones. You will eat the same amount, but you will reduce the amount of acid your body produces.
There are certain foods that trigger acid reflux. Therefore, it's in your best interest to avoid these if possible. One example is chocolate. While dark chocolate doesn't appear to be as bad as high-fat milk chocolate, they both contain caffeine and cocoa, which are both known to cause acid reflux.
Acid reflux can be caused by eating large meals too quickly. If at all possible, try to break your meals down into smaller portions throughout the day. If that isn't possible, take the time to eat your food slowly. This will make it easier to tell when you're full, and prevent acid reflux caused by overeating.
If you often have acid reflux, avoid drinking during your meals. A glass of water will add to the volume of food in your stomach and make digestion harder. You should wait until you are done digesting to drink and avoid drinking just before having a meal or a snack.
Exercise regularly but moderately. Your acid reflux problem should not be as bad if you are in shape and live an active lifestyle. Avoid exercising intensely or your stomach could become upset. You could for instance go for walks everyday or find a new hobby that allows you to be more active.
What you drink could play a major role in whether you have acid reflux symptoms or not. Carbonated beverages, such as soda, increase stomach acid production, thus, increasing acid that comes up through the esophagus. Caffeinated beverages also have the same effect. Try to stay away from these drinks and stick to water.
Skip the antacid. An antacid is fine if you only suffer from acid reflux occasionally, however more frequent sufferers should look for better treatment options. An antacid is only a temporary fix, working to mask the pain. It does nothing to treat the underlying cause of the problem. Using antacids too frequently can even cause your stomach to start producing more acid in response.
It is best for people with acid reflux to avoid certain beverages. Drinks like soda, energy drinks and coffee are all big causes of acid reflux. The caffeine content is usually the culprit and can cause the stomach to produce large amounts of stomach acid. They can also irritate the lining of the stomach.
Consume supplements that contain Pyridoxine if you want to get rid of acid reflux immediately. This vitamin helps to metabolize the different fats and carbohydrates that you put in your stomach. Also, this vitamin will give your body the ability to repair damaged cells faster that you lose from acid reflux.
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.
Avoid constricting clothes if you suffer from heartburn. You can suffer heartburn problems wearing clothes that fit too tight. These clothes can put pressure on your abdominal area and stomach, pushing acids up to your throat, leading to uncomfortable heartburn. Your clothes should be comfortable and loose, and avoid tightening your belt excessively.
Don't smoke cigarettes. Quitting smoking can alleviate acid reflux. Smoking increases stomach acid production and slows down digestion. Smoking also decreases the amount of saliva produced. If you must smoke, try to wait a while after eating.
Chewing gum can help with the symptoms of acid reflux. Gum helps produce saliva in the mouth and throat, which helps clean the esophagus. This keeps the acid from building up and causing uncomfortable symptoms. Chew sugar-free gums like Trident or Dentine to prevent tooth decay or any other dental issues.
If you get heartburn after eating spicy foods, try eating a few ounces of natural yogurt afterward. The yogurt acts by calming down the gastric acid production that is responsible for your discomfort. You may get ahead of the game by eating the yogurt before consuming foods that give you heartburn.
You should now have a much better idea as to how you can take control of your acid reflux and kick it out of your life. You don't want to have to put up with this annoying condition for any longer. Instead, you need to focus on the tips that have been provided to you here so that you can be sure that you have everything under wraps.