What is acid reflux? What can cause it? What makes reflux worse? How do you get rid of these symptoms? By learning the answers to these questions, you can begin experiencing relief. Start finding the answers to all your questions about acid reflux with this article.
Avoid drinking during your meals. This will help you manage hunger, as it is likely that you are more thirsty than you are hungry. This also means your stomach will not experience the distention that comes with drinking during meals.
If you stay at a weight that is healthy you will be unlikely to suffer from GERD. Excess fat pushing on your stomach could cause the esophageal sphincter to relax. You will need your sphincter to become tight if you want to prevent the acid from coming up; losing weight will help.
Stress can cause acid reflux. Stress increases the amount of stomach acid and makes acid reflux more likely. Each meal should end with some relaxation, without lying down. You might meditate, read or simply watch some television.
Acid reflux can be triggered with some foods. Among them are chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and fried foods. Sometimes foods that are acidic, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, can also make things worse. Triggers vary by person, so you should learn from your own experience as to what does and doesn’t cause you problems. To be safe, avoid these items.
Exercising right after a meal can aggravate your acid reflux. If you contract your abs during your workout, stomach acid could be forced in your esophagus and cause pain. You should wait a minimum of an hour or two after eating before engaging in exercise activities.
Chew cinnamon gum post-meal. When you chew, it produces more saliva. This will help neutralize acids in your stomach. You will also find that you swallow more, clearing acid from the esophagus. You could opt for fruit flavored gums. You should not chew on mint gum because mint causes your esophageal sphincter to relax, worsening your acid reflux.
Raise the top part of your bed. Use anything from books to bricks to increase the incline. The head of the bed needs to be 6-8″ higher than at the foot. When you have your chest and head elevated, stomach acid is less likely to come up when sleeping.
Exercising too strenuously can actually aggravate your acid reflux. Increase your intake of water. Your body will be more hydrated. It also aids with digestion. Water will help ease the digestion process and lessen the amount of acid the stomach produces.
Don’t drink any alcohol if you wish to get rid of acid reflux for good. Alcohol not only causes acid to build up within your stomach, but can deteriorate your stomach lining, which can lead to acid reflux. Try to limit your alcohol when you go out with friends so you don’t suffer from reflux all night.
You now understand the ins and outs of acid reflux. You have to take a good look at your life and determine what your own triggers are and work hard to counteract them. Follow the tips presented here to feel better right away.