Have you experienced chest pains lately? Does it become worse when you rest? Does it start after you have eaten? Do you get a yucky taste? Do have problems with a hoarse throat all the time? These are all indicators of acid reflux, but there are options when it comes to relief.
You have to quit smoking! Smoking aggravates acid reflux, and it is possibly the cause. It also slows digestion and increases acid production in the stomach while slowing down the production of saliva. This causes weakness of the esophageal sphincter. This is the reason you should quit today.
Fatty foods are much worse for people suffering from acid reflux than healthier options. Foods rich in fat relax the esophageal sphincter which in turn contributes to the acid flowing in the wrong direction. They also cause you to put on weight, and people who are overweight suffer from acid reflux more frequently than those at a healthy weight. Eat healthy and stay healthy.
Pregnant women often experience acid reflux as well. The developing baby grows and pushes on the esophagus. You can keep your symptoms under control by eating foods low in fat and low-acid foods. You can also try soothing teas which help reduce acid but will not harm your stomach.
Raise the top part of your bed. Use anything from books to bricks to increase the incline. Ideally, the head of your bed should be a half a foot higher than the foot. You’ll be less likely to have acid enter your throat when you sleep at night if you have your head and torso elevated.
Acid Reflux
Some foods tend to trigger the effects of acid reflux when we eat them. Fried foods, caffeinated beverages, chocolate, and even chocolate are common triggers for acid reflux. Acidic items like citrus fruits and tomatoes can also exacerbate acid reflux. The triggers can vary from person to person, so make sure you identify your own. Just avoid these foods to be safe.
Acid reflux symptoms can often be reduced by avoiding beverages with your meals. Your lower esophagus sphincter can be under too much pressure if you eat and drink too much. This allows acid and food to travel back into the esophagus, damaging the lining.
Stay upright for about two hours after consuming food. Lying down directly after a meal can allow acid to travel up into your esophagus with much greater ease. You will notice that the symptoms of acid reflux by standing up or sitting in an upright position.
No, it isn’t a heart attack. It’s not a cold and not just a simple bad reaction to something you ate. You know that it’s acid reflux, and you now know what to do to treat it. Put in the time and energy to make the right changes and you will feel right as rain.
Don’t eat certain trigger foods if you have been suffering with acid reflux. Some of the foods known to trigger reflux include mint, citrus, garlic, tomatoes, onions, fizzy drinks and caffeinated beverages. Everyone has different triggers, so if some of these items don’t bother you, you can keep enjoying them.