Dealing With Acid Reflux
Try to lose some weight. If you are overweight, especially around your abdomen, it will put increased pressure on your stomach. This can contribute to an increase in acid reflux symptoms. Simply losing a couple of pounds will reduce the pressure on your stomach, which in turn will reduce acid reflux.
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.
If you suffer from acid reflux symptoms at night time, you may need to change the way you sleep. You should be laying on your back, with the upper half of your body propped up by a few pillows. When you lay flat, whether on your back, stomach or side, you are allowing acid to come up through the esophagus.
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.
It's important to remain upright when you are eating as well as up to three hours afterwards. If you lie down or recline, acid can move up your esophagus more easily as gravity isn't holding it down. If you remain upright, your reflux should lessen.
Avoid wearing clothing that is restricting around your abdomen. Wear your belts loosely and avoid pantyhose that are tight if at all possible. These articles could push on your stomach. This pressure on the abdomen could easily lead to heartburn. You may have to do some sit-ups each day to avoid buying new pants and skirts that fit properly.
Don't lie down after eating. Your stomach will have a hard time digesting food in this position. This upright position can help the flow of liquids in your body.
Don't eat food with a ton of fat. What this means is that you definitely need to avoid or at least severely cut down on those fatty fried foods, red meat and fast foods. Always look at the labels of the foods you eat to get an idea of how much fat they contain.
Avoid lying down after you've eaten. If you are prone to acid reflux, avoid laying flat for at least two hours after a snack or meal. Standing or walking can actually help your gastric juices start flowing properly. When you do go to sleep, try keeping the upper portion of your body elevated using a foam wedge or some books under the mattress or propping up your legs with blocks or books.
You should exercise on a regular basis if acid reflux is a frequent problem. Low-impact exercises, including walking and swimming, can significantly help manage your acid reflux symptoms. You can help keep the food you ate in your stomach using gravity when you stay upright.
Your body weight can play a major role in your stomach issues. Having extra fat in your mid-section puts extra added pressure on your stomach and increases acid reflux symptoms. If you have some weight to lose, losing it can help you cut down on acid reflux incidences. Living a healthier lifestyle can help you feel better in more ways than one.
A great way to eliminate your acid reflux is to switch your diet over to a plant based diet. Meat is a huge contributor to acid reflux. This seems to be contradictory because meats seem to be very alkaline when tested prior to consumption. The problem is that after meat is digested, it will leave a highly acidic residue within the body.
Avoid foods that trigger acid reflux. These include alcohol, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and soda, fatty foods, spicy foods and acidic foods such as tomatoes. When you are suffering from acid reflux, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins such as broiled fish and chicken and enriched grains.
Put an end to your misery by using the advice you learned here. If you're really determined, you will overcome acid reflux. Take advantage of this information to say goodbye to reflux once and for all. If you do, you are going to feel great once more.
