Acid reflux takes place when the acid produced in the stomach reaches the esophagus and causes symptoms like sore throat and heartburn. The esophagus is the pipe that takes in what you eat or drink from the mouth to the stomach. If this condition occurs rarely, it causes no harm to your system. However, if you develop it very often, you may need acid reflux treatment. Consult with your doctor about the same. He or she may diagnose your condition and prescribe methods to manage your problem. Along with taking your prescribed medications, you can also try some home treatments to ease and control your symptoms.
- Manage your weight
People, who are healthy, are less likely to face the condition of acid reflux. It is because the diaphragm in such people supports the lower esophagus sphincter (LES). The diaphragm is a muscle situated over your stomach. If you are obese, the LES is forced to shift upwards because of the extra pressure in the belly. Therefore, losing weight can help you avoid gastrointestinal esophagus reflux disease (GERD).
- Cut down alcohol intake
Alcohol can make the acid reflux symptoms poor. Therefore, quitting or limiting the intake of alcohol can help ease your condition.
Go back to your childhood, and pick up the habit of chewing gums again. When you chew up gums, it will lead to the making of saliva. Saliva will help to relieve the esophagus.
- Avoid taking carbonated beverages
To support your acid reflux treatment, avoid taking carbonated beverages. They can elevate the risk of belching. Moreover, these beverages can trigger acid reflux symptoms and often make your condition poor if you already have it.
- Eat less chocolate
Doctors often prescribe eating fewer chocolates to the patients with acid reflux. Chocolates are believed to worsen the symptoms of the condition; however, more studies are required to prove the fact.
- Do not eat in bulk
People are more likely to develop acid reflux symptoms after a meal. If you eat a large portion of food, it may make your condition worse.
- Eat low carbs foods
Eating foods that have a good proportion of carbohydrates can lead to poor digestion. This pitiable absorption of carbohydrates can trigger GERD symptoms.
- Avoid taking caffeine in excess
Caffeine is believed to make the symptoms of heartburn poor. If you experience the same, cut down the intake of too much caffeine.
- Do not eat raw onions
Raw onions can trigger the GERD symptoms like heartburn. Therefore, to make your acid reflux treatment successful, do not eat raw onions.
- Avoid taking citrus juice
Some people who have the condition of acid reflux experience poor symptoms when they take citrus juice. Therefore, if you are one of those people, avoid taking them.
- Eat at least 3 hours before going to bed
If you eat your meal close to your bedtime, the symptoms of acid reflux are likely to become worse. Therefore, the specialist suggests eating at least 3-4 hours before you go to sleep.
Dietary factors can be the leading causes of acid reflux. Doing the pre-suggested things can help in your acid reflux treatment. Moreover, you can consult with your doctor for more things you need to eliminate and add-up to your lifestyle to support your healing treatment.