Acid reflux is one of the most uncomfortable conditions that anyone could have. Acid reflux can be created and exacerbated by many factors, including diet, weight, smoking, and even your clothing. You can learn what causes acid reflux and how to get rid of it with the information in this article.

Keep a diet diary. Everyone is different, and which foods will trigger your acid reflux may not be the same as mine. Write down how you feel before, during and after each meal, and include a list of what you eat and drink all day. After a month, you should have a clearer picture of which foods cause you the most grief.

Sometimes women develop a problem with acid reflux when they become pregnant. A growing baby can squeeze the mother’s stomach, causing acid to go up the esophagus. A diet of low-fat, low-acid foods helps to prevent this. Also, you can try soothing teas.

A good way to avoid acid reflux is by chewing cinnamon gum after meals. This increases saliva production. This will help neutralize acids in your stomach. Also, people swallow much more often when they are chewing gum, and this will clear out any acid that is in the esophagus. You can also try fruity flavored gum. Minty gums should be avoided; they relax the esophagus’ sphincter, worsening acid reflux.

Did you know that smoking cigarettes could be contributing to your problem with acid reflux? Nicotine causes the esophageal sphincter to relax. When it relaxes, it can allow acid to come up and cause you pain. Kick the habit and you might just kick the acid reflux problem at the same time.

Limit the amount of liquid you consume with all your meals. Too much liquid can cause the stomach to become much too full, which increases your chances of suffering from acid reflux symptoms. You should only allow yourself to have small sips of water in between your bites of food.

After you make a meal, wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool down before consumption. When you eat food that is too high in temperature, your body can react with heartburn and acid reflux. Make a side platter with your meal so you can consume that while you are waiting for your main dish to cool.

Try to avoid eating chocolate if you have issues with acid reflux. The caffeine and alkaloids that are contained in chocolate tend to disagree with people that have this problem. If you must have chocolate, each it in small quantities and opt for a darker chocolate since it has antioxidants.

Medications that are available over the counter at a drugstore or pharmacy will only temporarily mask acid reflux disease symptoms with not much effectiveness. If you find yourself using these products with increasing regularity, you should consult a doctor. They can prescribe stronger prescription medications that prevent acid reflux from occurring.

If you suffer with acid reflux, don’t lay down after eating. Lying down contraindicates the downward motion food should take when being digested. Keeping yourself upright can help you keep the acid out of your esophagus.

Try to eat slowly. Rather than consuming a ton of food at once, simply eat until you feel comfortable. Chew your food very slowly, allowing yourself to thoroughly enjoy its taste. The faster you eat, the worse you’ll feel when done. Slow down and take some extra time to finish your meals.

Engage in moderate, upright exercise, like taking a long walk. These types of exercise benefit your body by preventing reflux. First, keeping upright aids in proper digestion. Additionally, exercise helps you lose weight and stay healthy, thus keeping acid reflux at bay. Avoid intense exercise, especially anything that might stress the stomach or abominable areas, it can make reflux worse.

Wear clothes that are loose-fitting and comfortable. If you wear clothes that are too constricting and tight, they will put added pressure around your abdomen and your lower esophageal sphincter. When your abdomen area is free from any added stress, it can do its job much better and tight fitting clothes do not allow this.

Eat small meals more frequently than large ones. If you tend to eat two or three larger meals daily, you may be boosting your chances of acid reflux flares. This is because there is additional pressure on your sphincter, which makes it open up. That leads to acid reflux. You should eat smaller, more-frequent meals during the day.

Weight loss could be beneficial. Overweight people are more likely to have acid reflux. This fat puts pressure on your stomach, and increases your chances of refluxing. Sometimes, just losing several pounds will help.

The discomfort associated with acid reflux can be worrying. What makes acid reflux worse is that it can be triggered by things in your everyday life, including things you enjoy. You don’t want to have to live with acid reflux. Use the contents of this article and give acid reflux the boot.

What You Need To Know About Acid Reflux was originally published on Spring