While most of us experience acid reflux, or heartburn, from time to time, others may deal with bloating and burning discomfort almost every time they eat. Chronic acid reflux is actually a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it can be incredibly uncomfortable to live with.
Usually, the muscular tube (sphincter) in your esophagus protects your throat from stomach acid and blocks food from coming back up. However, if this muscle relaxes too much, food can come back through and trigger acid reflux symptoms.
If you’re tired of constantly struggling with burning pain every time you eat, there are simple and practical ways to manage your GERD without the need for medication.
Our team, led by expert gastroenterologist Ven Kottapalli, MD, CNSP, at GI Physicians, Inc. in Lima, Ohio, offers some lifestyle changes you can make to effectively manage your acid reflux on a daily basis.
Foods high in fat, sodium, and spice tend to trigger acid reflux since they relax your esophagus and sit longer in your stomach. Try to avoid these heartburn-inducing foods to lessen your symptoms:
Other known trigger foods include citrus fruits, chocolate, and peppermint. If you want to eat foods that might bring on acid reflux, focus on small portions and eat them slowly to promote better digestion.
When you struggle with acid reflux, gravity is your friend. After you eat, make sure you stay sitting or standing for at least three hours. This allows gravity to do its job and keep your food down as it makes its way through your digestive tract.
If you do lie down or go to sleep shortly after eating, stay at an incline to encourage food and stomach acid to stay away from your chest and throat.
Drinking lots of alcohol, smoking, and carrying excess weight can all increase your risk for chronic acid reflux. Focus on managing stress in healthy ways by meditating or practicing yoga rather than unwinding with an alcoholic beverage. Quit tobacco usage and shed some extra pounds to relieve some pressure and boost the strength of your esophagus.
If diet and other lifestyle changes aren’t enough to keep acid reflux at bay, our team can discuss other treatments such as medication to get you the relief you need. You don’t have to push through the misery of acid reflux daily. Simply schedule an appointment by calling our team or booking online today.
