Do you frequently have an uncomfortable burning feeling in the chest or a bitter taste in your mouth? Do you very often experience a burning sensation at the back of your throat? If yes, you might be suffering from one of the most common digestive problems — acidity or acid reflux.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a common condition that features a burning pain in the lower chest area. It happens when the muscle valve (sphincter) between the stomach and esophagus relaxes way too much and stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe.
What Are The Symptoms?
The most common symptom of acid reflux in heartburn (a painful burning feeling behind your breast bone). Some other symptoms are :
-Pain in your chest that does not radiate elsewhere
-Bad breath
-Problems with swallowing or painful swallowing
-Hoarse voice, cough and repetitive hiccups
-Nausea and vomiting
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Who Is At Risk?
You are more likely to have acid reflux if you
-Eat certain foods (show Coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks)
-Follow any unhealthy habits like lying down soon after eating
-Smoke which includes secondhand smoke
-Are overweight or obese
– Are pregnant
– Are taking certain medicines that can increase stomach acid
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Stomach-soothing Steps For Acid Reflux
1. Eat smaller meals, but more often. A full stomach puts continuous pressure on the sphincter (valve-like muscle) that keeps stomach acid from backing up into the food pipe. Eat in a slow, relaxed manner. Wolfing down your food fills your stomach faster, putting more pressure on it. Avoid late-night eating.
2. Remain upright after meals. Lying down increases pressure on the sphincter. This makes acid reflux more likely.
3. Never exercise immediately after meals. Give your stomach time to churn the food. If you are planning to exercise, then wait for a couple of hours after eating to start off.
4. Tilt your torso with a wedge-shaped cushion. Raise one end of your bed by 10 to 20 cm. Make it so your chest and head are above the level of your waist. Remember to don’t just prop your head and shoulders up with pillows but the entire torso.
5. Stay away from cold drinks. These cause belching, which promotes reflux of stomach acid.
6. Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Some foods and drinks increase acid secretion, delay stomach emptying, or loosen the sphincter and cause heartburn. Common offenders include spicy and fried foods, tomatoes, garlic, milk, coffee, tea, cola, peppermint, and chocolate.
7. Chew sugarless gum after a meal. Chewing gum promotes salivation, which neutralizes acid and soothes the food pipe. Avoid peppermint flavors, which may trigger heartburn.
Follow these simple tips and tricks to keep away stomach woes!
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
Recommended Reads:
How Your Lifestyle Puts You At Risk Of Acidity!
Acidity? Read This Before You Use Home Remedies!