You have to take control of your life. There is no one out there who can help you if you can’t help yourself. This means you have to become educated on your condition and how to make it tolerable. Start with this article and all of its tips on controlling acid reflux.
It is important to avoid vigorous exercise if you deal with GERD. When you are compressing the stomach violently, you’ll find that acid makes its way up into your esophagus. Instead, engage in moderate activity which helps you lose weight, stay in shape and yet ensures that acid stays where it belongs.
High fat foods may be tasty, but that can be troublesome for anyone who suffers from acid reflux. Foods that are high in fat cause the sphincter of the lower portion of the esophagus to become relaxed and increase the time it takes for the stomach to empty. Both of these conditions make it possible for acid reflux to occur. Eat a healthy balanced diet of vegetables, fiber, grains, and lean protein.
Turn to aloe vera juice for a soothing way to heal the damage acid reflux can cause. It reduces inflammation in the esophagus and the lining of the stomach itself. All you need is a half a cup before a meal to aid in your digestive regeneration, but remember that it is also a laxative!
Don’t just treat the symptoms of acid reflux with antacids. This does nothing to help reverse the damage caused to the esophagus caused by acid. You’ll need to make lifestyle changes that prevent acid reflux from occurring to allow the esophagus to heal itself and prevent serious problems in the future.
Lose weight by going to the gym and performing cardiovascular exercises if you want to limit your acid reflux symptoms. If you are overweight, you will have a better chance of acid reflux building in your stomach and causing heartburn. Exercising can help with your heartburn and improve your health at the same time.
Consume smaller meals to help control your acid reflux problems. When you over stuff yourself during a meal, it can often lead to uncomfortable digestive upset, including acid reflux. Instead, consider eating several small meals a day, and always stop eating as soon as you begin to feel satisfied.
For children who have acid reflux disease, the only thing that may work for them is time. When a person is younger, their digestive systems have not yet matured. This makes it easier for acid to produce, thus, increase acid reflux symptoms. Once they get older, the problem should go away.
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.
Slippery elm lozenges can offer some relief. The active ingredient in the lozenge provides a protective coating for your digestive tract. They also help to calm coughing and soothe irritation. These can be purchased at many drug stores and at most health and natural food stores.
A great way to eliminate your acid reflux is to switch your diet over to a plant based diet. Meat is a huge contributor to acid reflux. This seems to be contradictory because meats seem to be very alkaline when tested prior to consumption. The problem is that after meat is digested, it will leave a highly acidic residue within the body.
If your acid reflux is severe, then the importance of not lying flat on your back cannot be stressed enough. Therefore, whenever you sleep, you need to keep your entire upper body slightly elevated. You cannot just add more pillows to lay your head on because this just elevates your head, which is not enough. Place wooden blocks or bricks underneath your mattress can significantly help in relieving your acid reflux symptoms.
Carefully consider the types of foods you are eating if acid reflux is a problem. Fatty, grease filled foods like chicken wings, pizza and french fries can sit in your stomach for a longer period of time, increasing the likelihood of reflux. Instead, choose high quality proteins, vegetables and whole grains for the majority of your meals.
When you have acid reflux disease it can be difficult to eat foods that are acidic such as tomato sauce and salsa. If you have been steering clear of these foods out of fear of discomfort, you no longer have to avoid them altogether. Taking an antacid prior to eating these types of foods can help you avoid experiencing acid reflux.
Now that you have this knowledge, you must use it. You have to start changing your lifestyle to help you cope with your condition. You need to take life by the reins and guide it where you want it to go. What you must do most of all is start the changes today.
