No one is immune from experiencing acid reflux. It is estimated that one-third of Americans have this disease. Many people are clueless when it comes to fighting acid reflux, despite its prevalence in society. You can treat your acid reflux by using the tips in this article.
Some foods will cause you to produce more acid. Fried foods, caffeinated beverages, chocolate, and alcohol are some common trigger items. Citrus fruits and other acidic produce are also possible causes. Specific triggers can vary for each person, so you will have to experiment to figure out which particular foods trigger your acid reflux. Just avoid these completely to be extra safe.
You must stay upright when eating and for at least a few hours after your meal. If you don’t, acid is more likely to rise up toward the esophagus. Standing or sitting up can help your esophagus.
Try not to lay down after eating to avoid reflux. Having a horizontal digestive system leads to problems. Keeping yourself upright can help you keep the acid out of your esophagus.
Try doing moderate exercise to alleviate acid reflux symptoms. It is important that this exercise be moderate. Vigorous exercise often irritates the digestive tract, causing acid reflux. More moderate solutions, like walking and water aerobics, can be a great help. These exercises allow gravity to aid in your digestion. Losing weight can also help with heartburn.
Limit your alcohol intake if you are suffering with acid reflux issues. Alcohol is a prime cause of increased stomach acid production. If you insist on drinking alcohol, try to only drink one or two glasses and find a wine or alcohol that does not increase your acid reflux symptoms.
What are your trigger foods? Certain foods are known to make acid reflux worse. A partial list is alcohol, mint, garlic, caffeine, tomatoes, and pepperoni. Different foods affect people differently, so avoid those food items that do create distress for you.
Do not eat foods that have a very high fat content. Therefore, fried foods, red meat, fast foods should be eliminated from your diet. However, if you cannot completely eliminate them, at least minimize your consumption of them. Get in the habit of checking labels before you buy food.
Try relaxing. When you are stressed and you eat, stomach acids build up and cause heartburn. You should do some meditation or relaxation exercises after eating a meal. Don’t lie down right after. You need to stay upright.
Try to reduce the gluten that you consume in your diet if reflux is an issue. For those with heartburn and acid reflux, limiting wheat, oat, and barley consumption is suggested. Instead, choose kamut, millet or quinoa.
When you have acid reflux, eating spaghetti, pizza and other spicy, tomato-laden foods can be a problem. Adding sugar to tomato sauces may help mitigate the negative affects. The sauce will taste sweeter and digestion will be easier.
Now you know just how common acid reflux has become in recent years. If you’re one of them, take action against the condition. Apply what you’ve just learned, and get on with your pain-free life.