Having acid reflux can quickly become problematic within every day life. Besides the pain and inconvenience that comes along with this experience, having to explain it to others can become tiresome. Make it more tolerable to live with acid reflux by reading this tips in this article and using them!
Acid reflux can be caused by a number of different things, not just the types of food you are eating. Look into your lifestyle too and see if you're not pushing yourself too hard, under excessive stress or otherwise need to take better care of yourself. Learn to relax, improve your diet and see if that doesn't help.
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.
The most significant factor attributed with acid reflux is being overweight. Those who are obese are two times more likely to have GERD than someone who is at a healthy weight. The pressure on your stomach of all the extra pounds can cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing acid to give you trouble.
Slippery elm, when ingested as a supplement, can help thicken mucous in your stomach and reduce erosion of the stomach lining. This supplement is very effective at protecting your stomach from harmful stomach acid. Mix one or two tablespoons with some water and drink this remedy before going to bed.
If you are pregnant and experiencing acid reflux, try to relax. This problem is often no longer an issue after you have the baby. It is a symptom of the baby pushing on all of your innards causing the acid in your belly to rise. Watch what you eat and avoid laying down until an hour has passed after you eat.
Acid reflux can be caused by eating large meals too quickly. If at all possible, try to break your meals down into smaller portions throughout the day. If that isn't possible, take the time to eat your food slowly. This will make it easier to tell when you're full, and prevent acid reflux caused by overeating.
Stop smoking. Smoking can cause the muscles that control the esophageal sphincter between the stomach and esophagus to relax. When this happens, stomach acid can escape from the stomach and into your esophagus, causing that familiar burning sensation. If you are a smoker and frequently get bouts of heartburn, it may be time to quit or at least reduce your habit.
Instead of continuing to suffer from the painful and annoying effects that come with acid reflux, take your life back. Using preventative measures and other simple adjustments in your life can make a huge difference. Remember the tips in this article so acid reflux doesn't cause more problems than it has to!