Dealing with acid reflux is no laughing matter. The suffering those who have this condition deal with daily can be debilitating. Thankfully, there are some options out there which will help you tame your acid reflux once and for all. Keep reading for some simple tips which will help to change your life forever.
After you take a bite or two, put down your fork. This ensures you are chewing fully and truly slowing down while you eat. Consider what this bite tastes like, and what was different than the last bite. Enjoy the texture of the food both when it first enters your mouth, and once you are done chewing.
The more fluid you drink during your meal, the more volume is placed in your stomach. This causes more distension in the stomach and adds pressure to the lower sphincter of the esophagus, creating the perfect condition for acid reflux. Try drinking between meals and drink water in small sips rather than big gulps.
Exercise is an important habit for those who have GERD, but your timing is key. Wait for two hours after eating before you become active, and don’t follow your activity with a sports drink as they are acidic and can make your GERD flare up. Instead, drink water or milk to refuel.
When you are done eating a meal, prevent acid reflux by chewing on some gum. More saliva is produced when you chew some gum. The more saliva that is produced during digestion, the less acid is produced, in turn, preventing acid reflux from occurring. Ideally, you should chew on sugar-free gum.
If you have excess fat in the abdominal area, it can cause you to experience acid reflux. This is because there is extra pressure in the abdominal area. The best way for you to reduce these symptoms would be for you to try to get some of the excess weight off.
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.
Avoid lying down after you’ve eaten. If you are prone to acid reflux, avoid laying flat for at least two hours after a snack or meal. Standing or walking can actually help your gastric juices start flowing properly. When you do go to sleep, try keeping the upper portion of your body elevated using a foam wedge or some books under the mattress or propping up your legs with blocks or books.
Watch the numbers on the scale to help alleviate symptoms associated with acid reflux. If you are carrying around several extra pounds, you are putting an increased amount of pressure on your stomach, esophagus and digestive tract. By shedding just a few pounds, you can improve your symptoms without the need for medications.
Elevate your head at least 5 inches when you are sleeping to create a better flow of saliva down your esophagus when you are sleeping. This will help to reduce the acid that builds up in your stomach so that you do not wake up with any symptoms in the morning.
There has never been a better time to lose weight. Being overweight contributes to worse acid reflux symptoms. Additional pressure is put on your stomach when you are overweight; therefore, acid reflux is more likely to occur. Just losing a few pounds will help.
If you have acid reflux, you should talk to your doctor about being tested for a hiatal hernia. This condition allows the stomach to move past the diaphragm and up into the chest, making acid reflux easy. Having this condition diagnosed and remedied may spare you from having acid reflux.
One way to help your body combat acid reflux is by increasing your intake of certain amino acids, one of which is called glutamine. Glutamine can be found in certain foods such as eggs, fish, spinach, milk and a variety of different foods. Increasing your intake of these types of foods will help you combat your acid reflux.
Are you overweight? Being too heavy could cause your stomach acid to go back up into your esophagus. Therefore, making an effort to eat right and exercise daily will help you with your symptoms. If necessary, speak with your doctor to see if they have any advice or suggestions for you.
With this knowledge in mind and your desire to feel better, you should now be equipped with the tips you need to tackle acid reflux. Start changing your life one step at a time and relief will be yours in no time. All it takes is a little determination to end your suffering once and for all.
