Acid reflux is commonly referred to as heartburn, can cause an intense burning sensation in your chest, which often intensifies during the night.
You may experience symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or feeling of lumps within your throat, as well as the regurgitation of food. These symptoms can be unpleasant, uncomfortable, and, at times, life-threatening.
Most people experience acid reflux on occasion because of a large meal or one evening out that is too indulgent.
However, if you have the symptoms associated with acid reflux more than 2 times every week, you may have GERD, a condition known as gastroesophageal resuscitation disease. This persistent problem results in stomach acid that frequently flow back into the stomach, causing frequent heartburn.
There is a lot you can do to have control over the intensity of your symptoms, as well. Our board-certified gastroenterologist Bharat Pothuri MD advises that you stop following the habits to have less and less often-occurring episodes of acidity.
Close-fitting clothing pressure on your stomach may cause acid reflux to worsen. The stomach juices are pushed into the esophagus, leading to the signs associated with acid reflux.
A snug-fitting pants, a tight belt, waistbands that fit tight, and leggings that are form-fitting pantyhose can cause heartburn to get worse. Find more comfortable clothes that are loose-fitting and lessen the pressure placed on your stomach.
1. Relaxing after meals
Letting yourself down after eating could put tension on your stomach. This can cause acid reflux to flow back into the stomach. It’s recommended to avoid naps after meals and avoid eating late at night.
Walk around or stand up straight after eating and wait for 2 hours before you go to the night to sleep. Gravity can encourage stomach juices to flow in the right direction.
2. Big meals
Big meals, such as Thanksgiving dinner or an all-you-can-eat buffet, could cause GERD symptoms. Suppose the stomach is filled to the top. In that case, the valve between your stomach and the esophagus (esophageal sphincter) is relaxed and allows stomach acid to flow to return into the esophagus.
Consume small portions of food. However, eat more often. Get rid of the idea of having three meals a day. Your last meal is at least an hour before the time you go to bed to avoid laying down too quickly and triggering GERD symptoms.
3. Alcohol consumption
So Alcohol is one of the main triggers of acid reflux, particularly for those who drink too much. Alcohol can relax you, which includes the esophageal sphincter. As a result, stomach acid could leak into your esophagus.
Alcohol is best consumed on events that are only for special occasions, or better yet, avoid all alcohol altogether to reduce the risk that causes acid reflux.
4. Dozing flat
The way you sleep can have an impact on acid reflux symptoms. Beware of eating or snacking or drinking before bedtime, and raise your head a bit while you rest. When you elevate your head by 6-8 inches as you rest, you help promote the normal downward flow of stomach acid. This will reduce the symptoms.
A specially-designed bed that can raise the head of your bed is great; however it’s most likely not practical. Make use of a foam wedge or a block beneath the frame to raise the head of the bed.