Acid reflux is a common source of discomfort and pain. There are times that the pain could be so intense that you will not be able to function as you normally would. Fortunately for you, you have options about treating the condition and moving on in life. Keep reading for what you need to know to get your acid reflux under control.
Did you know that losing weight can help tame the symptoms of GERD? There is scientific proof that having too much body fat leads to the release of chemicals that cause digestion not to function correctly. This can lead to acid reflux and its resulting suffering. Shed the pounds and feel better!
Stress is a huge opponent of acid reflux. Excess stress increases stomach acid production, which causes acid reflux. When you finish a meal, exercise. You can watch some television, read a good book or do anything relaxing.
Try popping a few pieces of chewing gum into your mouth every time you are feeling the symptoms of acid reflux. This will cause the body to produce a much larger amount of saliva than it does on a regular basis, and this will help neutralize the acid inside of the stomach.
When you are eating all of your meals, take your time and savor each bite. It is a good idea to put your fork down between each and every bite. This is a good way to stop yourself from overeating, which means a dramatic reduction in all of your acid reflux symptoms.
Do not smoke. If you smoke now, do your best to stop and if you don't smoke, do not pick up the habit. If you smoke, quit. Smoking has the ability to cause your lower esophageal sphincter to fail and not be able to do its job of blocking stomach acid.
Consider taking a proton pump inhibitor. Drugs such as omeprazole work to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces, stopping acid reflux at the source. Make sure you talk to your doctor before starting these types of medicine, even those that can be obtained over-the-counter. You will need to make sure that too much acid in the stomach is the cause of your acid reflux.
See a doctor. Many people think that acid reflux is something that can be treated at home. While this is true to some extent, you may be missing out on the valuable insight and effective treatment. There are many causes of acid reflux, and your doctor can help you identify the root of the problem and devise a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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.
Don't rush your eating. When you eat too fast, you can trigger acid reflux. Instead, really take time to enjoy your meal as much as you can. Put your fork down every so often and let your body digest throughout the sitting. Don't eat to being overly full. You'll be much less likely to have issues.
Acid reflux can be difficult to deal with. If you watch what you eat you can alleviate many of the symptoms. Avoiding fatty foods is very important. Fatty steaks, chicken wings, deep-fried foods, and pizza are all high in fat. These fats make your stomach work harder and increase the likelihood of acid reflux symptoms.
One of the worst things you can do if you suffer from acid reflux is to lie down after a meal. It is very important that for at least two hours after you eat, you do not lie flat on your back or stomach. It is best if you stand up and walk a little bit. This will help get your stomach juices flowing in the right direction.
The foods you eat play a big role in acid reflux. Discover which foods trigger your symptoms and do your best to avoid these foods. There are main culprits, but what bothers one person will not always bother another. Write down the foods you eat and your body's response to help you figure out what your trigger foods are.
If you are big into exercising, be moderate about your high-impact exercises. Major exertion in these hardcore fitness regimens can actually make your acid reflux worse. Instead, mix it up and get some time with more moderate fitness routines. A great choice is a long walk at a medium speed.
If you experience heartburn after eating a large or spicy meal, try taking an acid-relieving tablet. Sometimes this is enough to help, but you may also need to loosen your clothing around your waistline. Acid reflux medication is available either by prescription or over-the-counter if you experience this condition often.
Pregnant women often experience acid reflux, especially in the last trimester of their pregnancy. This is caused when the baby grows large enough to limit the amount of space in the abdomen of the mother. You can try wearing looser clothing, avoiding certain foods that seem to set it off or ask your doctor which medication is safe for the baby.
Look for your acid reflux trigger foods. Everybody is different, and there will be certain types of foods that really kick your acid reflux into high gear. Keep note of times when that occurs and analyze what you ate. If you see recurring patterns, look to strategically change your diet.
Drinking a tasty smoothie each day can actually help your acid reflux. Blend some spinach, water, lettuce, celery, lemon juice, and a banana. When you take this in the morning, you'll find constipation goes away, a leading factor in relaxing your esophagus. Because it is an alkaline drink, it can soothe internal stomach acid quickly.
There is no reason to relinquish control of your life to acid reflux symptoms. Just follow the simple advice in this article to get back on track with a life that is less painful and an enjoyable lifestyle. You need to make an effort to take back your life.