Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t close all the way and acid produced by your stomach travels up the esophagus. The results vary but common symptoms are chest pain (heartburn), bloating and nausea. Finding a cure isn’t always easy. Normally, individuals who suffer with this condition have to change their lifestyle in some way.
1. Acid Reflux Cure: lose weight
Did you know that as obesity has risen across the world, so has the occurrence of acid reflux? USA Today documented a study in Norway led by Dr. Eiveind Ness-Jensen, which tracked this fact. Unfortunately, the extra pressure created by a large belly negatively impacts digestion. Therefore, by shedding a few pounds, you can decrease the occurrence of acid reflux.
2. Acid Reflux Cure: quit smoking
Cancer isn’t the only risk related to smoking. This habit also damages the esophageal lining and increases acid secretion in the stomach. For these reasons, long-time smokers are apt to develop acid reflux. By quitting smoking, you can relieve yourself of this condition and improve your overall health. (See more ways smoking causes acid reflux – click here.)
3. Acid Reflux Cure: avoid spicy foods
WebMD lists spicy foods as one of the culprits of acid reflux. Yet, there’s a catch. Consumers of these types of vittles are affected differently; as a consequence, a zesty burrito might cause one person to have acid reflux and not another. By keeping a diary, you can narrow down which types of spicy foods to avoid.
4. Acid Reflux Cure: reduce alcohol intake
Forgoing that glass of wine or stein of beer at dinner can lower you chances of having acid reflux. Why? Alcohol relaxes the LES; a trigger of this condition. Choose a non-caffeinated beverage with meals like water, which aids digestion and elimination. (Get the recipe for spa water.)
5. Acid Reflux Cure: stay up after eating
Do you like to lay down after a meal to nap? Dr. Glenn E. Peters, M.D., an expert on Web Whispers, recommends you stay up and alert until after your food settles (about three hours). This process allows your body to properly digest whatever you ate and prevents acid from moving up your esophagus.
6. Acid Reflux Cure: manage your medication
Certain drugs cause acid reflux because they either weaken or inflame the esophageal sphincter. EveryDayHealth.com cites common medications that have this effect: antidepressants, sedatives, bronchodilators and estrogen replacements. If you take a drug that fits one of these categories, ask your doctor for an alternative or low dosage to prevent negative side-effects.
These acid reflux cures can relieve your symptoms without surgery or pills. In a nutshell, you have to adopt a healthier lifestyle in order to lower your chances of having this condition. For information on what medications you can take, read 5 Acid Reflux Medications: Which One Is Best For You.
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