8 Practical Tips To Prevent Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids rise up into the esophagus and into the mouth. It is often described as a burning sensation in the upper abdomen. This is accompanied by chest pain, heartburn and difficulty swallowing. We have some practical tips to prevent acid reflux. Acid reflux is caused by a weak or malfunctioning esophageal sphincter, a muscle valve whose function is to hold food and fluids in the stomach.
Although it is not a disease as such, it can happen sporadically and it is important to take certain measures to prevent it and not suffer from the accompanying complications.
Since there are many factors that can cause this, we share in this article 8 tips to avoid it.
Try them!
1 Avoid irritating foods to prevent acid reflux
Bad eating habits are the main cause of continuous reflux episodes.
Excessive portions or a poor combination of foods are a common source of heartburn and stomach irritation.
Because of this, it is best to limit your consumption of the following foods:
- Processed meat
- Refined flour
- Sweets and pastries
- Spices
- Canned foods
- Foods rich in sodium
2 Lose weight
People who are overweight often suffer from acid reflux
Being overweight puts pressure on the stomach, which often causes stomach acid to return to the esophagus.
- Maintaining a healthy weight will help digestion and reduce the incidence of reflux.
3 Stop smoking
Cigarette smokers should give them up if they want to control the excess acid in the stomach and esophagus.
The toxins in tobacco reduce the production of saliva, a substance that helps counteract stomach acid to prevent heartburn.
They also cause the mouth and throat to become dehydrated, causing further problems when they suffer from reflux.
4 Wear comfortable clothing
Although many people overlook it, the use of tight clothing can also be a factor for people suffering from reflux.
Tight jeans, belts and some shirts increase the pressure on the stomach and after eating, it causes the gastric juices to escape.
- Should loose clothing and light a button or two after eating as a simple way to avoid reflux.
5 Adopt a good posture
Your posture when eating and subsequently plays a very important role for the digestive system.
A good posture helps food move from the mouth to the stomach, and gravity helps keep the stomach acids where they need to be.
- Lying down or assuming an inappropriate position after eating increases stomach contractions and increases the chances of stomach acids rising from your stomach.
6 Drink infusions
The anti-acid and digestive properties of many natural ingredients can work well to prevent acid reflux.
They regulate the pH of the stomach and help to get the esophageal sphincter to function properly.
Some recommended ingredients include:
- Mint
- Cardamom
- Fennel
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Lemon
- Mustard seeds
- Flaxseed
7 Avoid stress to prevent acid reflux
Finding yourself in stressful situations on a regular basis is a major cause of acid reflux that many people overlook.
Some people think that there is no relationship at all, but in reality it is very relevant.
- When we are stressed, we may suffer from nervous reactions that alter the effect of certain bodily processes that take place in the digestive system, causing digestive problems.
- We are also experiencing an increase in the secretion of stimulants such as adrenaline, which is associated with a higher secretion of stomach acids.
8 Limit your alcohol intake
If you drink too much alcohol, it can irritate the stomach lining and it can cause other unpleasant symptoms.
The toxins in alcohol are difficult to digest and they block the function of the valve that stops the stomach acids rising up towards the mouth.
Do you feel a strong burning sensation in your stomach and throat? If you frequently complain about this issue, follow all of these tips to keep it under control.
If the symptoms persist or appear for no reason, consult a doctor to make sure it is not caused by something more serious.
