Heartburn is a common condition, with about 40 percent of the population suffering from heartburn once a month and about 20 percent at least once a week.
Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve above the stomach, opens up and allows acids back up in to the esophagus.
But what can you do about it? A simple lifestyle change is all it usually needs, and by following these easy steps you’ll not only get rid of heartburn, you’ll also feel totally revitalized.
1. Chew your food properly and try to eat slowly. Chewing promotes saliva which neutralizes stomach acid and by taking your time you allow food to digest properly.
2. Keep a journal of what you eat and drink. If you experience acid reflux soon afterwards you’ll have a record of what to avoid in the future.
3. Try to lose any excess weight. Extra fat can put pressure on your stomach and open up your LES allowing acids back up causing heartburn. Take up a regular program of light exercise, even a brisk walk can work wonders and leave you feeling great.
4. Control stress. While stress isn’t linked directly to heartburn, during stressful times routines are disrupted and people may skip meals, exercise and sleep. There are many ways to reduce stress, such as meditation and self-hypnosis.
5. Try herbal supplements, such as licorice root and slippery elm. They are known for soothing and reducing inflammation in the esophagus and also create a protective barrier from stomach acid.
6. Try to eliminate fried, fatty foods from your diet as much as possible. Fatty foods are hard to digest, so they stay in your stomach longer, making your stomach juices more acidic and irritating your digestive system.
7. Don’t eat too much at mealtimes. Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead to aid digestion.
8. Eat enough fiber in your meals such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Fiber is essential for keeping your digestive system functioning properly and will help you to get rid of heartburn.
9. Try to stop smoking. This is probably the most important step to take if you want to get rid of heartburn. Smoking reduces saliva production, weakens the LES, stimulates stomach acid production and directly injures the esophagus.
10. Get a good nights sleep. Heartburn can be worse when lying down due to acid traveling back up into the esophagus. Try propping yourself up with pillows or invest in a special acid reflux pillow.
Give these or at least some of these tips on how to get rid of heartburn a try and I guarantee you’ll start to feel like a new you.
How to Get Rid of Heartburn – Home Remedy Tips – posted by reflux
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