You probably know how frustrating it to have acid reflux, as a sufferer of it yourself. Acid reflux can severely inhibit your activities of daily living and cause you great discomfort. However, there are steps that can be taken to conquer acid reflux. This article will give you the tips you need.
If you have a weight that is proportional to your height, GERD is less likely to occur. This condition occurs when fat weighs down on the stomach. You will need your sphincter to become tight if you want to prevent the acid from coming up; losing weight will help.
You have to quit smoking! Smoking can worsen or even cause acid reflux. It slows digestion, increases stomach acid, and slows down your saliva production. It causes the esophageal sphincter to relax as well. Therefore, quitting the cigarettes must be a priority.
Sometimes, reflux symptoms can seem very similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. Don’t ever ignore chest pains. These could be the signs of a heart attack. Get to the doctor pronto. Your doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition.
Raise the head of your bed. Use risers or bricks to increase the incline. The head of your bed should be elevated six to eight inches above the foot. This will prevent stomach acid from rising during the night.
If you suffer from acid reflux, avoid laying down immediately after consuming a meal. When laying in a prone position, it is more difficult to digest your food. If you remain upright, you will feel much better.
Think about the things that stress you out and limit them as much as you can. Stress can produce more acid, which will come up through your stomach and cause acid reflux. Seek out a cure for what’s causing you to feel anxious and get it out of your life as soon as possible.
Try to eat slowly. Don’t eat too much at one time. It may help your condition to eat smaller meals instead of eating until you are completely full. Relax and eat slowly, while savoring the taste of your food. Eating too much or too quickly can worsen symptoms. If you need assistance with this, simply put down your utensil following each bite that you take.
Try only to drink between meals. The muscle of your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes under the pressure when liquids are added to the food in the stomach. If your stomach is too full, the acid will reach the esophagus and damage the lining of your digestive track.
Try a slippery elm lozenge. The active ingredient, slippery elm bark, protects the lining of your digestive tract. It helps to lessen the discomfort of a sore throat and reduces coughing when taken in the lozenge form. These lozenges can be found in many health food stores.
Now that you have read the above information, you should know that acid reflux should not make your life unbearable any more. With some knowledge and a little effort, you can put reflux behind you. Use the steps in this article to take control and get your life back on track.