Top Eleven Ways to Avoid Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when acidic stomach contents reflux to the esophagus and destroys the esophageal lining. The most common cause of this disease is attributed to a person’s lifestyle and eating habits. It is not surprising that a little modification in both areas contribute greatly to the prevention and improvement of the condition. Basically though, proper eating habits are the best treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease.

1. Do not eat or drink before you go to bed. At least two hours before going to bed, avoid eating or drinking anything. Also, when taking naps, the chair is the best place to lie down. When pressed, a full stomach can cause the stomach contents to press harder against the lower sphincter muscle. This increases the possible refluxed of food.

2. Eating heavy meals is not advisable. Try taking small frequent ones instead. The small amounts of food will not overwhelm the stomach and, thus, prevent the increase of stomach acids

3. It would be wise to consume less high-fat meals such as those commonly served in fast food chains. These types of food remain longer and the stomach, causing the stomach to increase its production of acid.

4. Avoid or limit alcohol because it increases the production of stomach acids. It also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that seals off the stomach contents from the esophagus, and allows the partially digested food to reflux up into the esophagus.

5. Raising the head and shoulder, especially when sleeping, helps because gravity keeps the stomach contents -in the stomach. It won’t matter what is used for elevation and how the head is elevated, as long as the head and shoulder are in upright position. Elevate the head of the bed about six to eight inches when lying down.

6. Do not smoke. Similar to alcohol, smoking increases the production of stomach acids.

7. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn. Beverages such as beer, wine, and pop are notorious for stimulating stomach acid secretion. Beer doubles the production of stomach acid within an hour. Certain foods such as coffee, including decaf, tomatoes and tomato-based foods, citrus foods and juices, onion, spicy foods, and garlic, increase the production of stomach acids. Some of these foods also tend to aggravate the condition. Therefore, a change of diet might be an inevitable solution.

8. Relaxation is very important because stress can also induce stomach acid production.

9. Tight-fitting clothes constrict the stomach, forcing the food up against the lower esophageal sphincter. Thus, it might be better to wear clothing that is a little less confining around the middle.

10. Lastly, always carry antacids. H2 blockers have longer efficacy on heartburn, up to 12 hours. Usually, doctors recommend taking in an antacid and an H2 blocker together, since H2 blockers take an hour or more to begin working.

11. Do eat apple, banana, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and peas. Extra-lean ground beef and skinless chicken breast can also be eaten.