Remedies For Acid Reflux

What Are Good Foods For Acid Reflux?

Remedies for acid reflux and foods for acid reflux are covered in this article. It is intended to provide basic information about remedies for acid reflux to readers with no medical training or background. It is not intended for medical professionals.

This article focuses on remedies for acid reflux that is temporary in nature - the type of discomfort generally known as "heartburn." It does not cover remedies for a chronic condition known to doctors as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

Heartburn often occurs at night because the body is in a prone position during sleep. This makes it easier for liquid contents of the stomach to find their way back up into the esophagus. Furthermore, you swallow less during the night. Saliva contains a natural bicarbonate, so acid from the stomach isn't neutralized as effectively.

Try to limit food intake before going to bed. Doctors recommend at least three hours between a full meal and bedtime. Eating smaller meals that are digested more quickly can help. Eating slowly is a good idea too.

Foods for acid reflux Limit foods like grapefruit, oranges and tomatoes. These tend to be very acidic and prone to triggering heartburn. Also be careful with spicy foods that includes pepper or chilies. Condiments like ketchup and mustard are not good foods for acid reflux.

Eat lean meat and avoid fatty, greasy foods like french fries and cheeseburgers.

Certain drinks tend to cause heartburn. These include anything with caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Alcohol relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which is the "valve" that prevents stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. This worsens acid reflex.

Avoiding other acid reflux causes Prevention makes remedies for acid reflux unnecessary. Avoid these common acid reflux causes.

• Tight clothing can contribute to heartburn, and so can exercising too soon after eating. If you do exercise soon after eating, be sure to stay well hydrated.
• Stress may increase stomach acids, boosting heartburn symptoms.
• People who are overweight tend to get acid reflux more often.
• Don't smoke. Nicotine, like alcohol, can cause your esophageal sphincter to relax.
• Some medications can worsen reflux. Check with your doctor.
• When stooping, be sure to bend at the knees. Bending at the waist makes it easier for stomach liquids to splash up into the esophagus.

Finally, you can try raising the level of the head of your bed about six inches by putting blocks or bricks under the bedposts. This will help keep your head and chest elevated.

See our related article on stomach acid.