If you suffer from acid reflux, you may not even know it! Finding out the symptoms is the first step, and you must be properly diagnosed by a doctor. However, if you want to research the nature of this condition, you have come to the right place! Read on to find out more.

When eating, never lie down! It is important that you sit in a sturdy chair with good posture. Allow your stomach to be decompressed and your esophagus to be fully extended. As you eat, enjoy every bite of your food so that you eat slowly and chew fully, then you may avoid acid reflux afterward.

Keep chewing gum handy. When you chew gum, it not only freshens your breath, but it causes you to salivate. This helps wash acid down your esophagus and back into your stomach, where it belongs. When choosing a flavor, avoid citrus and mint. Mint can cause your esophageal sphincter to relax, and citrus is high in acid.

The slippery elm supplement can aid your acid reflux symptoms by helping to thicken the mucuous membranes in your stomach. This thickening process protects your stomach lining from all the acid it contains. Many people take a tablespoon or two in their cup of water after they’ve eaten and prior to bed for the most relief.

If you are pregnant and experiencing acid reflux, try to relax. This problem is often no longer an issue after you have the baby. It is a symptom of the baby pushing on all of your innards causing the acid in your belly to rise. Watch what you eat and avoid laying down until an hour has passed after you eat.

Keep a journal. If you can track when and what you are doing when you have an acid attack, you might be able to alter your life to eliminate those attacks. Write down what you eat, what you have done that day and if you have had any discomforts. You may be surprised at what you find and how easy it is to eliminate some of your problems.

If you would like to reduce acid reflux, avoid alcohol. Besides causing acid to begin to build up and eat away at your stomach lining, alcohol worsens acid reflux. Refrain from drinking with friends, especially if you have suffered from reflux when drinking in the past.

Reduce the fat in your diet. Excess fat causes your LES muscle to relax, which delays stomach emptying. As a result, acid reflux is more likely to occur. Therefore, if you consume lots of fried foods, substitute them for leaner, grilled options. This is not only good for your acid reflux, but also for your overall health.

Immediately after you have consumed a meal, do not lie flat. This can cause the food you have eaten to remain trapped in your esophagus, worsening acid reflux. Instead, walk around and remain upright for at least two hours. Doing this will assist in digestion, which will relieve your acid reflux.

Watch the numbers on the scale to help alleviate symptoms associated with acid reflux. If you are carrying around several extra pounds, you are putting an increased amount of pressure on your stomach, esophagus and digestive tract. By shedding just a few pounds, you can improve your symptoms without the need for medications.

If acid reflux is a serious problem for you, examine your typical posture. Although sitting up straight will not cure your symptoms, it will improve them. When you are hunched over, you contort inner organs and muscles in unnatural positions and that can worsen your acid reflux problem. Sit completely upright and relax, for ease of symptoms and less back pain too.

If you suffer from acid reflux, try to wear loose fitting clothes. An article of clothing like a tight belt or restrictive pantyhose will apply pressure to your stomach. This makes heartburn much more likely. Take a close look at your wardrobe and see what you need to change.

Boost the head of your bed. This tilts your head upwards and ensures your esophagus is never on the same parallel as your stomach. Imagine lying a full glass of water down on a table – the contents will pour out. The same happens to your stomach when you lay flat.

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.

Instead of hoping that you do not have acid reflux or failing to take preventative measures, do what’s best for yourself and learn more. You’ve taken the steps in the right direction, but don’t let it stop here! Remember these tips and educate yourself further so you don’t have to suffer the consequences.