Acid reflux happens when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of the esophagus relaxes, allowing stomach acid to go up into your esophagus. Heartburn and a sour or bitter taste in your throat or mouth are the main symptoms of acid reflux. You may experience other symptoms like bloating, burping, nausea, hiccups, dysphagia and dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat. Hiatal hernia is a common cause of Cypress acid reflux. The condition can be triggered by eating large meals, snacking close to bedtime, being overweight, smoking, and taking certain foods and drinks like alcohol, tomato, fatty foods, and coffee. You can relieve acid reflux in many ways, including:
Avoid certain foods and drinks
Fatty foods like tomatoes, mint, garlic, spicy, onions, tea, coffee, chocolate, and alcohol can trigger acid reflux. Avoid eating these foods regularly if they lead to acid reflux. Carbonated drinks make you burp, sending acid into your esophagus. Drink flat water instead of sparkling water.
Avoid large meals
Taking large meals may make your stomach too full, causing acid reflux. You can alter your meals by eating small amounts of food frequently than taking three large meals in a day. If you experience acid reflux after eating large meals, taking small amounts several times can help your condition.
Stay up after eating
Lying in bed immediately after eating can cause acid reflux. Gravity helps keep acid in your stomach when you are standing or sitting. Doctors recommend you do not go to bed immediately after eating. Take at least three hours before you lie down. Also, avoid naps after lunch, late supper, and midnight snacks.
Check your medications
Some medications, such as postmenopausal estrogen, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory painkillers, can relax your sphincter, causing acid reflux. Bisphosphonates drugs like Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel that help increase bone density can irritate your esophagus, causing acid reflux. Talk to your doctor if your acid reflux persists after taking these medications.
Observe the proper sleeping position
Sleeping with your head six to eight inches higher than your feet can help relieve acid reflux. You can achieve this inclination by using a foam wedge support for your upper body while you sleep. Creating a wedge by stacking pillows may not provide the uniform support you need.
Do not move too fast
Avoid vigorous exercise for a few hours after eating. Vigorous activities like jumping and running or strenuous workouts, especially the ones that involve bending, can send acid into your esophagus, leading to acid reflux. Taking a stroll after dinner is okay.
Lose weight
Being overweight or obese can spread the muscular structure that supports your lower esophageal sphincter, reducing the pressure that holds the sphincter closed. This sphincter relaxation can lead to reflux or heartburn. Losing excess weight can help relieve acid reflux. Your weight loss specialist can help you create a program for effective results.
Acid reflux happens when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of the esophagus relaxes, allowing stomach acid to go up into your esophagus. You can relieve acid reflux by avoiding large meals before bed, losing excess weight, and avoiding certain drinks and medications. Schedule an appointment at GastroDoxs for acid reflux treatment to relieve your heartburn.