Many people suffer from acid reflux and do not even realize that they have a treatable health problem. If you are constantly noticing heartburn throughout the day or even at night, you may have a reflux problem. You can learn more about this common problem in the article that follows.
Food consumption is a main trigger of acid reflux. Many people eat lots of food very quickly. You will see a detriment to your health if you continue to eat this way with acid reflux. Make sure you only eat until you are no longer hungry. Additionally, you should eat more slowly. Chew each bite slowly and savor the flavor.
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.
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.
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.
If you have been having any acid reflux symptoms over an extended period of time, make sure that you go in to be seen by a doctor. You may think that this condition is not that serious, but if it is not treated it can lead to more serious health issues, including ulcers and gastritis.
While vinegar tastes great on salads or french fries, anyone with acid reflux should avoid eating it. Vinegar, along with citrus fruit and tomatoes, is high in acid, and the more acid you eat, the more acid will return up your esophagus and cause you pain and discomfort after meals.
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.
Certain foods will cause your acid reflex to act up. Chocolate is one of them, unfortunately. Also try to avoid mint, ketchup, mustard and even mint. If you are able to change your diet even just a little bit, you should feel much better and should have less episodes going forward.
When you complete your meal, do not lie down on your back or stomach. This position uses gravity to build up acid in your stomach, which is one of the main reasons why you get acid reflux and heartburn. Walk around your home or do the dishes after you eat to prevent this from happening.
Opt for physical activities that involve an upright position, such as walking. Such exercise helps with acid reflux for a number of reasons. Your digestive process will be improved if you remain upright. Next, you lose weight and reduce pressure on the stomach. You should definitely get moderate exercise in, but intense exercise might actually worsen your condition.
Chew a stick of gum if you feel like your acid reflux issue is not under control at night. A stick of gum can increase the amount of saliva that you have in your mouth, which can help push down the acid that is getting into your esophagus from your stomach.
The information provided to you in the above article should help you determine if you are one of the many people that have acid reflux problems. If you are, use what you have learned to assist in decreasing the negative effects it has on your life. Soon you will be enjoying life as you did before.