If you are afflicted with acid reflux, then you know first-hand that the symptoms are quite uncomfortable. There are times it’s bad enough to keep you from doing the things you enjoy. The good side is that there are plenty of things that can ease your pain. Read on to learn more about tackling acid reflux successfully.
If you notice that spicy foods cause you problems, do not eat anything with peppers or chilies in them. This will help to prevent heartburn. At the very least, reduce the frequency with which you eat these items. You should notice an immediate difference in the way that you feel.
You may need to balance out hydrochloric acid amounts in your body if you want to reduce acid reflux and its symptoms. You can do this, for instance, by using sea salt rather than table salt. Sea salt has chloride and minerals that are good for the stomach and prevent acid.
Stop smoking if you are trying to rid yourself of issues with acid reflux. Many people do not know this, but smoking causes the muscles in the esophagus to relax. This can create some of the symptoms associated with acid reflux, so quit if you are trying to make things better.
Some foods are more prone to causing acid reflux than others. Fried foods, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and even chocolate are common triggers for acid reflux. Other big contributors include acidic foods, including citrus fruits and tomatoes. Having said this, acid reflux triggers are different for every person; therefore, you must learn which foods cause acid reflux and which ones don’t. Just avoid these completely to be extra safe.
Limit the amount of liquid you consume with all your meals. Too much liquid can cause the stomach to become much too full, which increases your chances of suffering from acid reflux symptoms. You should only allow yourself to have small sips of water in between your bites of food.
After you make a meal, wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool down before consumption. When you eat food that is too high in temperature, your body can react with heartburn and acid reflux. Make a side platter with your meal so you can consume that while you are waiting for your main dish to cool.
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.
Try to wait until between mealtimes to have drinks. If you have a full stomach, your esophageal sphincter is compressed. When this happens, stomach acid moves upward and damages your esophageal lining.
Try some natural ways to reduce the effects of acid reflux in your body. There are lots of medications that you can take to help with your acid reflux, but why take them if you can control it naturally? Try to eat foods that are alkaline. Foods such as milk, bananas, almonds, tofu and avocados are all alkaline foods.
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.
Perhaps you could have your last meal no less than three hours prior to bedtime. For instance, if you are shooting for a 10 P.M. bedtime, eat no later than 7 P.M. When lying down on a full stomach, more pressure is applied to the LES muscle. This could cause acid reflux.
Try to follow a diet that is low in fat if you are trying to alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux. Fatty foods have been shown to slow down the digestion process. Following a diet that is lighter will make you feel a lot better in several other ways as well.
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.
If you are at risk of acid reflux, don’t exercise too vigorously. An intense workout can aggravate the digestive track and increase the likelihood of reflux after meals. Walking is the perfect way to keep fit and reduce or maintain a healthy body weight to further reduce the risk of acid reflux. Start slowly if you are not used to regular exercise.
Don’t let acid reflux control your life. Just follow the simple advice in this article to get back on track with a life that is less painful and an enjoyable lifestyle. Gain control of your life again.
