Acid reflux is a serious ailment that can negatively influence your life. From not knowing what to eat to not being able to sleep, it takes over your body and life. Look over the following tips that can help you treat or even prevent acid reflux and get back to leading a normal life.

Try to avoid drinking anything while you eat. When you drink, your stomach fills up and expands, which can cause distension. This puts pressure on the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus, sometimes causing food to pass back up through it. When this happens, acid reflux has begun, as will your suffering.

You need to exercise if you have GERD, but don’t overdo it. Losing weight is a huge factor in controlling acid reflux, so go out for a run, play some soccer or go for a swim. That said, don’t push your body too hard or you may find your GERD becomes active.

High fat foods may be tasty, but that can be troublesome for anyone who suffers from acid reflux. Foods that are high in fat cause the sphincter of the lower portion of the esophagus to become relaxed and increase the time it takes for the stomach to empty. Both of these conditions make it possible for acid reflux to occur. Eat a healthy balanced diet of vegetables, fiber, grains, and lean protein.

It is a good idea to raise the head of your bed if you have been experiencing acid reflux issues frequently. When you are lying flat, it gives the stomach contents an easier way of refluxing. You should raise the mattress about 6-8 inches in order to get the best results.

Eating large portions is a huge cause of acid reflux in a lot of people. When the stomach is too full, it puts too much pressure on the muscles in your stomach. It is better to eat five smaller meals instead of three larger ones. You will eat the same amount, but you will reduce the amount of acid your body produces.

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.

While eating your meals, limit your beverage consumption. Although this may sound silly, drinking lots of beverages during your meals can actually cause acid reflux. This is because liquids increase the volume of food in your stomach. When your stomach is full, the lower esophageal sphincter has more pressure placed upon it. This muscle prevents food from coming up through your esophagus, which prevents acid reflux. You need to protect your lower esophageal sphincter as much as possible.

Eating slower has been shown to help with the symptoms of acid reflux. This gives your stomach a chance to adjust to the food that you are taking in. Try chewing your food a minimum of 25 times and really savor the food you are eating. Eat only until you are comfortably full and never till you are stuffed.

Gluten can frequently trigger acid reflux. To see if gluten is triggering your acid reflux, avoid foods containing wheat, oats and barley. You may think you have to eliminate all grain from your diet, but this isn’t true. Some great grains that provide your body with necessary fiber and nutrition include millet and quinoa.

If you struggle with acid reflux, try to avoid using too many antacids. Excessive antacid use can interfere with some mineral and vitamin absorption. If you are dealing with chronic acid irritation it can aggravate your esophagus and cause swallowing problems that are permanent. If you’re experiencing this, you should seek medical treatment.

There has never been a better time to lose weight. All those extra pounds are making your reflux worse, even if they are not the root cause. Excess weight can compress the stomach, resulting in acid reflux. Shedding just a few pound helps relieve this pressure.

Enjoy a stick of gum after your meals. The chewing motions helps increase your digestive juices which helps your body process its food faster. Additionally, avoid chewing minty type gum, such as peppermint or spearmint, as these are known to relax stomach muscles. Instead, opt for either cinnamon or fruit flavored gum.

Whether you aren’t eating the right way or the right foods, you’ve got to get to the root of your acid reflux problems. Hopefully this article has been helpful in your quest for answers and you now know what to change in your life. With a few simple modifications, your life can be free from acid reflux permanently.