Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids rise up the esophagus and into the mouth. It’s often described as a burning sensation in the upper abdomen. This is accompanied which chest pain, heartburn, and difficulties swallowing.
It’s caused by a week or poorly-functioning esophageal sphincter, a muscular valve whose many function is to keep food and liquids in the stomach.
Although it’s not an illness as such, it can happen sporadically, and it’s important to take certain measures to prevent acid reflux and not suffer related complications.
Useful Tips to Prevent Acid Reflux
Given that there are many factures that can cause it, in this article, we share 8 tips to help prevent acid reflux.
1. Avoid irritant foods
Bad food habits are the main cause of continuous episodes of acid reflux. Eating overly large portions or a bad combination of foods are a common source of heartburn and stomach irritation.
Because of this it’s best to limit your consumption of the following foods:
- Processed meats
- Refined flours
- Sweets and pastries
- Spices
- Canned foods
- Foods high in sodium
2. Lose weight
People who are overweight or obese tend to suffer from reflux more often.
Excess weight produces pressure on the stomach which often causes the stomach acid to return up the esophagus.
Maintaining a healthy weight will help digestion and reduce the occurrence of acid reflux.
3. Quit smoking
Cigarette smokers must give up if they want to control the excess acid in the stomach and esophagus.
The toxins in Tabaco reduce the production of saliva, a substance which helps counteract stomach acid to prevent acid reflux.
They also cause you mouth and throat to be dehydrated which then causes further problems when suffering from acid reflux.
4. Wear comfortable clothes
Although many people overlook it, the wearing of tight-fitting clothes can also be a factor for people suffering from reflux.
Tight jeans, belts, and some shirts increase the pressure on the abdomen and after eating, causes the gastric juices to escape.
Wear looser clothing and undo a button or two after eating as a simple way to avoid reflux.
5. Adopt a good posture
Your body’s posture when eating, and afterwards, plays a very important role in the workings of the digestive system.
A good posture helps the movement of food from your mouth to the stomach, and gravity helps keep the stomach acids where they should be.
Lying down or assuming an inappropriate position after eating, increases abdominal contractions and increases the chances of stomach acids rising out of your stomach.
5. Drink infusions
The anti-acid and digestive properties of many natural ingredients can work well to treat and prevent acid reflux.
They regulate the stomach’s pH and help keep the esophageal sphincter working correctly.
Some recommended ingredients include:
- Mint
- Cardamom
- Fennel
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Lemon
- Mustard seeds
- Flax seeds
7. Avoid stress
Finding yourself in stressful situations on a regular basis is one big cause of acid reflux which many people overlook.
Some people think that there is no relation at all, but in reality, it’s very relevant.
When stressed, we can suffer nervous reactions which alter the workings of certain bodily processes which take place in the digestive tube, causing difficulties with digestion.
We also experience an increase in the secretion of stimulants like 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, as well as reflux, can cause other uncomfortable symptoms.
The toxins in alcohol are difficult to digest and they block the function of the valve which stops stomach acids rising up towards the mouth.
Do you feel a strong burning sensation in your abdomen and throat? If you often complain of this problem, follow all of these tips to keep it under control.
If the symptoms persist, or appear without reason, consult a doctor to make sure that it isn’t caused by something more serious.
Via: HarvardHealth | KimberlySnyder | WebMD
