If you are dealing with acid reflux then you already know the pain can be quite unpleasant. It can really put an end to enjoying life. On a positive note, you can take steps to lessen your suffering. Take the time to read the following advice.
The way you sit after eating can affect acid reflux and can keep it from traveling up your esophagus. After eating, try to remain sitting upright for around two to three hours before lying down. If you’re having problems when you lay down later, prop your head up about six inches.
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.
Always keep gravity in mind. Remember that acid is being held down, so when you position your body in a way where down isn’t towards your feet, problems will ensue. Keep your head up and your stomach uncompressed, then you should be able to find relief from acid reflux all day long.
Stay upright after eating. It can be quite helpful if you stay sitting or standing for at least two to three hours after you eat a meal. This will give your food time to digest and help keep your acid reflux symptoms down to a minimum. If you must lie down, do your best to elevate your body above your waist.
Don’t wear restrictive clothing. Tight pantyhose, waistbands, and belts usually fall into this category. Restrictive clothing can put your stomach under additional pressure. This pressure can make your acid reflux worse. Instead, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are not too tight on your stomach.
One of the major causes of heart burn is alcohol. It should be avoided. Alcohol is one cause of acid building up in the stomach, and it can also eat away at the stomach’s lining. On a night out with your friends, limit the amount of alcohol you consume in order to feel well when you arrive at home.
If you often have acid reflux, avoid drinking during your meals. A glass of water will add to the volume of food in your stomach and make digestion harder. You should wait until you are done digesting to drink and avoid drinking just before having a meal or a snack.
Weight loss could be beneficial. Acid reflux is more likely to occur in people with extra body fat, particularly if it is stored in their abdomen. Having extra fat can put too much pressure on your mid-section and increase the odds of experiencing reflux. You can notice a significant improvement if you lose just a couple pounds.
Now is the time to lose some weight if you are a bit heavy. Having extra weight, especially around your middle, is not good for acid reflux. It can lead to stomach acid backing up to the esophagus. Ultimately, this will harm your esophagus and cause you great discomfort. Conducting your life in a healthy way will help you lose excess pounds and maintain your weight loss.
The ability of a food to produce acid is in no way related to is pH level. You may be surprised to learn that foods you thought were acidic, such as lemons, are extremely alkaline after they have been digested. If you have an issue with acid reflux, this may not be what you were expecting to read. Check into food pH stats so that you can avoid foods that might trigger reflux.
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.
Don’t rush your eating. When you eat to fast, you can trigger acid reflux. Instead really take time to enjoy your meal as much as you can. Put your fork down every so often and let your body digest throughout the sitting. Don’t eat to being overly full. You’ll be much less likely to have issues.
One of the worst things you can do if you suffer from acid reflux is to lie down after a meal. It is very important that for at least two hours after you eat, you do not lie flat on your back or stomach. It is best if you stand up and walk a little bit. This will help get your stomach juices flowing in the right direction.
You don’t want acid reflux to control your everyday life. Just by doing the simple things that were listed in this article, you will be able to get on the path to a less painful life and back to the lifestyle you like to live. So get going and get your life back on track!
