Finding out that you have acid reflux problems can really put a crimp in your lifestyle. It can keep you from enjoying your meals, and it can keep you from enjoying your day period. Consider the following helpful advice concerning making sure you kick acid reflux to the curb and start enjoying life.
Keep a diet diary. Everyone is different, and which foods will trigger your acid reflux may not be the same as mine. Write down how you feel before, during and after each meal, and include a list of what you eat and drink all day. After a month, you should have a clearer picture of which foods cause you the most grief.
Acid reflux is often aggravated by certain eating habits. Eating quickly or too much are major factors. This is not the way to eat your food, and it only worsens your condition. Instead, you should eat only until you are satisfied, not full. Additionally, slow down when you’re eating. Enjoy your food by chewing carefully, setting your fork down in between each bite.
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.
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.
There are many over-the-counter medications you can take for acid reflux. They are called antacids and they work by stopping excess acid production. Just be aware that no one medication works for everyone. If you try one and it is not effective for you, keep trying others until you find the right one for you.
It is not only the types of food you eat, but how much you eat that can cause acid reflux. It takes a longer time to digest larger meals, which can place added pressure on your stomach. This can be avoided by eating smaller meals, which are spread throughout the day.
Intense periods of physical activity may be the cause of your acid reflux. Try to consume at least 8 glasses of water a day. Your body will be more hydrated. This can also help you with your food digestion. You can curb acid production in your stomach by using water to promote healthy digestion.
Stop smoking. Smoking can cause the muscles that control the esophageal sphincter between the stomach and esophagus to relax. When this happens, stomach acid can escape from the stomach and into your esophagus, causing that familiar burning sensation. If you are a smoker and frequently get bouts of heartburn, it may be time to quit or at least reduce your habit.
Do not lie down after a meal if you have acid reflux disease. When you lay down, the esophagus opens up more. This lets acid from the stomach come up through the esophagus and ultimately, through your throat and mouth. It is recommended that you wait at least two hours after a meal to lay down.
Include plenty of high fiber foods into your diet. High fiber foods absorb the fats which will limit the effects of acid reflux. Good choices of high fiber foods should include natural grains such as wheat bread, brown rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes and beans. Incorporate some high fiber choices into each meal for best results.
Sleep at least 8 hours at night to help prevent acid reflux in your life. A good amount of rest during the night can help your body to recuperate from the day and get back to 100%. This will aid in reducing the acid in your body, which is a catalyst for acid reflux.
Quit smoking immediately to prevent acid reflux from occurring. Smoking cigarettes can increase the nicotine content that enters your body, which can damage your esophagus. A damaged esophagus can lead to more acid buildup in your body and trigger acid reflux episodes. Also, smoking will help you to live a healthier lifestyle and reduce esophageal cancer.
Keep your stress levels down to prevent flaring up your acid reflux. Stress causes tension and can contract some of your stomach muscles leading to reflux. Watch how you react to emotional or stressful situations to avoid making matters worse in your stomach. Also try keeping your temper below the boiling point to avoid major reflux symptoms.
Perhaps you now feel empowered with the tips and advice that have been given to you. It is time that you realized just how much of a difference a few changes can make. Acid reflux doesn’t have to dominate your life. Instead, use what you have read to take back control.
