How Do You Reduce Acid Reflux?

Unlike any other problem the symptoms of acid reflux is not curable, instead; the symptoms can be prevented. There are some effective ways that can be used for preventing movement of acid reflux to esophagus through LES i.e. lower esophageal sphincter. If left untreated then acid reflux can cause severe damage to esophageal lining, which in turn can lead to throat cancer. One interesting fact here is that techniques that work on one patient may not work for the other person. However, there are some basic tips that can help every individual suffering from acid reflux or GERD.

Avoid food items causing acid reflux. Individuals who are suffering from acid reflux or GERD should strictly avoid the following food items:

Chocolate
Fatty or oily foods
Onions
Food with excess caffeine
Aerated drinks
Mint
Spicy foods
Acidic foods.

Intake of these food items can trigger acid reflux or GERD.

Weight Loss

Weight loss is a good way to reduce acid reflux. People who are overweight are more prone to develop gastro esophageal reflux disease than people who have normal body weight. This is because excess fat in the body apply more pressure on the abdomen and pushes the stomach to the esophagus. Hence, it is very important that obese people should keep a proper check on their body weight.

Eat Smaller Portions

Eat smaller portions to reduce acid reflux. Eating heavy meal portion also applies pressure on the abdomen, which in turn applies pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter causing acid reflux.

Elevate the Bed from Head Side

You should elevate the bed from head side to reduce acid reflux. This tip works on the concept of gravity. People should simply elevate their bed minimum 6 to 8 inches from the ground, this way gravity helps in brining the gastric acid down to normal. Some people make the mistake of using extra pillows; this is not useful because this way only head of the patient is elevated and not the entire body. For getting complete relief from gastro esophageal reflux disease the entire upper body needs to be elevated from the ground surface.

Keep a Check on Medicines

Another way to reduce acid reflux is to keep a check on medicines. There are a number of medicines that can actually trigger Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. Some of the medicines that cause acid reflux are:

Medicines containing potassium
Painkiller
Iron tables
Antibiotics (not all)
Medicines given for curing different types of allergies
Anti-inflammable drugs (non-steroid)
Medicines given to asthma patients

People who are taking any other above discussed medicines should immediately discuss about the same with their doctors and ask for better substitutes that does not have any adverse effect on the lower esophageal sphincter.

Say No to Smoking

Skipping smoking is the best way to reduce acid reflux. It is observed that smoking relaxes the muscle of lower esophageal sphincter, which then allows movement of stomach reflux to esophagus.

Stop Drinking Alcohol

Just like smoking intake of alcohol also lead to causing spasm of lower esophageal sphincter. This is one of the major factors that lead to Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease.

Avoid Wearing Skin Tight Cloths

Wear loose clothes to reduce acid reflux. Tight cloths or waist belts constrict stomach applying more pressure on the LES, which ultimately causes Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. Hence, doctors always recommend their patient to wear loss cloths instead of body fitting.

Opt For Gluten-Free Diet Plan

Eating gluten free diet is a great way to reduce acid reflux. Research study has revealed that intake food items have gluten content can actually lead to gastro esophageal reflux disease or can trigger the symptoms of GERD. Hence, patient suffering from this problem should religiously follow gluten free diet plan.

Drink More Water

Drinking good quantity of water helps in flushing acid reflux from the body. It also helps in maintaining normal pH level of the body. Further, drinking water also keeps the body hydrated and away from many diseases.

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How Do You Reduce Acid Reflux?