There are simple ways to alter your lifestyle to keep acid reflux at bay. Your first step towards attaining comfort again is reading all you can about the condition and the ways in which you can treat it. Start with this article so that you can get a great base of knowledge in place.

It is important that you don’t eat too quickly if you suffer from acid reflux. The slower you eat, the better! Not only will it allow you to begin to break down the food in your stomach, it will ensure that you feel full when you really are full, something that doesn’t happen if you eat too quickly.

Acid reflux can be caused by a number of different things, not just the types of food you are eating. Look into your lifestyle too and see if you’re not pushing yourself too hard, under excessive stress or otherwise need to take better care of yourself. Learn to relax, improve your diet and see if that doesn’t help.

Those who are overweight have a higher chance of getting acid reflux than others. This is due to stomach pressure. The excess weight of an overweight person adds more pressure to the stomach, relaxing the muscles of the lower sphincter of the esophagus, creating acid reflux. Fat in the body can also interrupt normal digestion. A little weight loss can go a long way in preventing acid reflux.

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.

When you find you have acid reflux overnight, raise the head of your bed up at least six inches. This will keep your esophagus angled downwards, ensuring that acid stays in your stomach and doesn’t try to creep back up towards your throat. If six inches doesn’t help, try eight instead.

Stress can cause your muscles to contract, and when this happens to your stomach, acid will be pushed upwards. Try some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation to reduce your stress and help you deal with situations which can be emotionally tumultuous. When you master these techniques, acid reflux may be reduced.

To help avoid acid reflux, take your time and chew your food slowly. This technique helps you to avoid overeating. When you overeat, food is pressed in the top of your stomach; thus, it allows stomach acids to build up in you esophagus. For best results, eat small meals often.

Refrain from sitting down after you consume a meal. Lying down allows acid to climb up your esophagus. You will get relief in your esophagus if you sit or stand.

Certain foods cause acid reflex more than other foods. Keeping a diary of your eating habits can help you understand when acid reflux is at its worst. After you’ve eaten, if you begin to feel acid reflux symptoms, write down what you ate, what the symptoms are, and how they are affecting you.

Wait to exercise after you eat. If you put off your exercise by at least an hour, the food will have a better chance to digest. Physical exertion right after you eat could cause the food to move back up toward the esophagus. This could be very uncomfortable and hard to fight.

Steer clear of alcohol if you suffer from acid reflux. Consuming alcohol can end up making your acid reflux symptoms much worse. If you are going out with friends, limit your alcohol intake if you want to feel good when you get home.

If you suffer from acid reflux should try to limit the amount of beverages that you consume with your meals. The liquid will increase stomach distension and will add volume to your food. This puts more pressure on your esophagus. When there is more pressure on your esophagus, it is harder to keep your food down.

Try to drink mostly in between meals if you suffer from acid reflux. When your stomach is full of food an liquid, the lower esophageal sphincter is under constant pressure. This can cause it to allow the food and acid in your stomach to come back up into your esophagus and destroy the lining within.

Try drinking less during a meal to help with your acid reflux. Liquids can cause food to expand in your body, and they increase the volume of foods inside of your body. Instead, consider eating your meals first, and then enjoy your beverage about fifteen minutes after your meal is through.

Now that you understand the basics, you are ready to start implementing them in your life. Change how you eat, sleep, dress and behave to ensure that your symptoms are kept to a minimum. Once you pair this with your doctor’s advice, you’ll find that your acid reflux no longer controls your life.