Things You Need To Know About Acid Reflux

Things You Need To Know About Acid Reflux

Acid relux can affect anyone. Over one third of all Americans have this condition. With such a large prevalence in our society, it is shocking that most people have no idea how to combat it. The article below can help you fight this condition. You are much less likely to have acid reflux if you are at your ideal weight. When you're carrying too much fat, the opening located in the lower part of the esophagus will relax. When you lose weight and trim up, you'll find your sphincter tightens and keeps acid where it belongs. Food can make your acid reflux problems worse. Many people eat lots of food very quickly. Make good nutritional choices and always take the time to eat. You should not eat past the point of feeling full. Eat slower too. Chew food carefully and lay down your fork every couple bites. Stop smoking as soon as possible! Smoking makes acid reflux worse. Smoking slows down digestion and increases stomach acid, along with reducing saliva production. The esophageal sphincter is weakened as a result. So stop smoking now. You want to do most of your drinking between meals and not while you're eating. This is a good way to manage hunger, since you stand a better chance of being thirsty than you do hungry. In addition, doing so will help your stomach and will keep the acid down. Stress is a factor in acid reflux. Excessive amounts of stomach acid is produced when you are stressed, which causes acid reflux. Each meal should end with some relaxation, without lying down. You can watch some television, read a good book or do anything relaxing.

Less Likely

Try to quit smoking if you are afflicted with acid reflux. Nicotine boost stomach acid and can cause increased occurrences of acid reflux. Balance the benefits of quitting with the possible stress it can be on the body. Quit slowly instead. If you are a healthy weight, you are less likely to suffer from acid reflux. The sphincter starts to relax more when fat pushes down on the stomach. Not only will you feel healthier as you lose weight, you will be less likely to suffer from acid reflux symptoms. You must stay upright when eating and for at least a few hours after your meal. If you lie down or recline, acid can move up your esophagus more easily as gravity isn't holding it down. Standing or sitting up can help your esophagus. Stress can cause acid reflux. Stress increases the amount of stomach acid and makes acid reflux more likely. Therefore, find some way to relax after every meal. Meditate, do some yoga, go for a walk or read a book. Once you have eaten, exercising too soon after can definitely make your acid reflux worse. This can force acid into your esophagus, which can cause acid reflux. Therefore, wait at least an hour before engaging in high-impact exercises. If your are active and your reflux strikes after strenuous activities, the fix may be quite simple. Remember when you are exercising to drink plenty of water. When you drink more water, your body is hydrated sufficiently. This also promotes healthy digestion. Water can enhance your digestion and minimize the acid produced in your stomach. Acid reflux can be so incredibly hurtful at times that it may cause you to think it could be a heart attack. If you are suffering from serious chest pain, don't ignore it. It is possible your chest pain is a heart attack. Call your doctor immediately to find out what to do. Misdiagnosis would be horrible, and you don't want any serious health issues.

Acid Reflux

Elevate the headboard of your bed. This can be done by using bricks, blocks of wood or by getting those raisers that are built for lifting up a bed. The head should be at least six inches higher. By keeping your upper body elevated, you can prevent stomach acid from rising while sleeping. Try to keep your weight down if you want to beat acid reflux. Obesity is a main cause of acid reflux. Losing around 10% of your current body weight can lessen your acid reflux symptoms greatly. Lose weight by eating several smaller meals. Avoid crash dieting. If you drop excess pounds, you may find relief from reflux. The most common situation leading to acid reflux is being overweight. Lose several pounds each week and watch acid reflux disappear. Eat smaller portioned meals during the day to help your acid reflux. Alcohol is another no-no. Alcohol causes overproduction of stomach acid, which leads to the deterioration of your stomach lining as well as acid reflux. Try to limit your alcohol when you go out with friends so you don't suffer from reflux all night. Try to eat slowly. Rather than clearing your plate, eat slowly until you are just about satiated. Sit down and take your time chewing and tasting your food. Eating too fast or past the point of feeling full can worsen your acid reflux. If you find this difficult, place your fork back on the table between bites. If you struggle with the effects of acid reflux, you're certainly not alone. Millions of others are in the same position. If you are among them, be proactive and do what is necessary to fight the condition. Use what was given here and take the pain away. Eat frequent, small meals. If you tend to eat two or three larger meals daily, you may be boosting your chances of acid reflux flares. A stomach that's too full can put extra pressure on that sphincter in between the esophagus and the stomach, which makes it open so it can relieve itself. This can end up leading to a lot of discomfort. Try eating smaller meals frequently during the day instead.