After binging on greasy onion rings or spicy pizza, anyone may have occasional indigestion leading to acid reflux. That is the unpleasant, sometimes excruciating condition that results when food, stomach acid, or both crawl back up into your esophagus. However, if you have heartburn many times per week or more, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, a chronic type of acid reflux (GERD). Fortunately, Vikram S. Jayanty M.D., can help you manage acid reflux symptoms to prevent further complications.
Here are tips to control your acid reflux symptoms;
- Eat more often and in smaller portions
Large meals cause the stomach to expand, causing strain on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The same goes for beverages: consume smaller quantities throughout the day rather than a few large glasses, and eat smaller, more regular meals.
Chewing a stick of gum 30 minutes after eating stimulates the production of saliva, which neutralizes and dilutes stomach acid.
- Don’t eat and sleep
Simply altering your bedtime might help you get rid of your acid reflux. People who go to bed immediately after meals frequently experience more heartburn. Allow gravity to work its magic and keep that stomach acid where it belongs—in your stomach. Before going to bed, take a short walk around the block or at the very least sit up straight and watch TV or read a book.
- Lose some weight
Losing some of the extra weight is beneficial if you are overweight for various reasons. But if you have both acid reflux and are overweight, dropping some weight can reduce your problem.
Being overweight puts you at risk for a hiatal hernia, a known cause of GERD, and occurs when the upper section of your stomach pushes through your diaphragm.
- Graze
Overeating is one of the primary causes of acid reflux. Acid and food can quickly move upward when your stomach is overstuffed. Rather than overindulging in large feasts, try eating smaller meals throughout the day. You might be able to manage your acid reflux if you can train yourself to quit eating before your brain says “full.”
- Try sleeping on your left side
Reflux symptoms might worsen if you sleep on your right side throughout the night. Although the cause of this is unknown, anatomy might be able to explain it. Your right side is where the esophagus enters the stomach. Therefore, when you sleep on your left side, the lower esophageal sphincter is above the level of stomach acid.
When you lie on your right side, stomach acid covers the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of reflux.
- Watch what you eat
If you suffer from gastrointestinal issues, you should be aware of foods that are known to be the cause. Some of the most noteworthy trigger foods include onions, Spicy foods, chocolate, tomatoes, garlic, coffee, tea, fatty meals, mint, and alcohol.
If you are struggling with acid reflux symptoms, consult your doctor to find the proper treatment. Call Vikram S Jayanty, M.D., to schedule your acid reflux diagnosis and treatment appointment.