Acid reflux is one of the most uncomfortable conditions that anyone could have. Acid reflux can be created and exacerbated by many factors, including diet, weight, smoking, and even your clothing. You can learn what causes acid reflux and how to get rid of it with the information in this article.
Keep a diet diary. Everyone is different, and which foods will trigger your acid reflux may not be the same as mine. Write down how you feel before, during and after each meal, and include a list of what you eat and drink all day. After a month, you should have a clearer picture of which foods cause you the most grief.
Limit your liquid intake with meals if you’re prone to acid reflux. Even healthy beverages like water can fill up your stomach fast, creating conditions that are conducive to acid reflux. Sip your beverage conservatively and never gulp it down. Wait a half an hour after a big meal to enjoy quenching your thirst.
It is not only the types of food you eat, but how much you eat that can cause acid reflux. It takes a longer time to digest larger meals, which can place added pressure on your stomach. This can be avoided by eating smaller meals, which are spread throughout the day.
There are many trigger foods that can cause acid reflux. You’ll want to limit consumption of these foods to prevent acid reflux. Spicy and hot foods are two kinds that you want to avoid.
Try eating slowly. Don’t eat too much at one time. It may help your condition to eat smaller meals instead of eating until you are completely full. Instead of eating too fast, slow down and chew your food at a more relaxed pace. If you eat too quickly or eat more food than you need, you will experience acid reflux. You can try setting your fork down between bites to slow yourself down.
Alter your activity after meals. If you suffer from frequent bouts of acid reflux, watch your activity after meals. Avoid clothing that is tight around the middle, and try not to bend over or do any heavy lifting. All of these things can help keep your stomach acid where it belongs.
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.
Changing the time you exercise can help decrease the amount of acid reflux symptoms you get. Contracting your abdominal muscles can force any food in your stomach to go back into your esophagus. It is best to wait about an hour after you exercise to take part in any sort of exercise.
Do not wear tight clothing around your midsection. This added pressure can worsen your acid reflux symptoms. Instead, wear comfortable, loose clothing to prevent this added pressure on your stomach. If you are the type of person who enjoys skinny jeans, you really should wait until your acid reflux is under control before wearing them again.
There are lots of potential trigger foods that can cause you heartburn and acid reflux. Try to avoid these foods. The usual suspects are fatty fried foods, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, alcohol, citrus juices and fruits, spicy foods, tomatoes and beverages with lots of carbonation. If you just avoid these foods, you will eliminate many symptoms.
If you suffer from acid reflux you should ask your doctor if you would benefit from having an endoscopy. Diseases such as Barrett’s Esophagus often times go hand-in-hand with acid reflux, and an endoscopy is the only way to really see what is going on. Being proactive with your health can save you from bigger problems down the road.
You probably already know that acid reflux is caused by stomach acids splashing back into the esophagus. If you are chronically suffering from heartburn or a sensation that you have food lodged in your throat and over-the-counter anti-acids are not bringing you relief, you need to see a physician. Since chronic acid reflux is indicative of a malfunction of the sphincter which separates the esophagus from the small intestines, a medical professional can confirm the diagnosis with endoscopy. If left untreated, acid reflux can evolve into GERD, a more serious condition.
If you are smoker, you should quit immediately. Smoking can affect your digestion and cause acid reflux. Talk to your doctor if you need help with quitting and keep in mind that you will see a difference once your stomach acids are back to normal, which could take a few weeks without cigarettes.
The discomfort associated with acid reflux can be worrying. What makes acid reflux worse is that it can be triggered by things in your everyday life, including things you enjoy. You don’t want to have to live with acid reflux. Use the contents of this article and give acid reflux the boot.
