Easy Remedies to Prevent Heartburn and GERD

Acid reflux, or heartburn, is a very unpleasant feeling inside the chest which creates a burning sensation that rises to the neck. Heartburn usually occurs when the stomach acid backs up to the esophagus, which gives a feeling of a small fire in your chest. If heartburn is frequently bothering you for a stretch of about 2 weeks, it might be best to consult a doctor. Frequent heartburn may lead to long term problems like the condition of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and in some rare cases it leads to cancer.

As we all know, heartburn can be cured with the help of medication. But a change in lifestyle habits can also help; here are some natural acid reflux remedies which offer some relief.

Aim for weight loss

Heartburn is a condition which can happen to anyone, but GERD is specifically prevalent in people who are overweight. The fat in the abdominal area causes pressure on the stomach, which increases the risk of stomach acid going back to the esophagus and causing heartburn.

Overweight people should focus on starting a weight loss plan which will help avoid the symptoms of heartburn. People who are of a healthy weight must focus on maintaining it by eating healthy and exercising.

Know the foods to avoid

A person should avoid eating trigger foods, such as tomato-based products, high fat foods, fried foods, citrus fruit juices, soda, and caffeine in order to better fight the symptoms of GERD. Limiting these few food items may help you experience few or no symptoms.

Don't lie down or sleep after a meal

Intake of smaller amount of food will result in less pressure on the stomach and helps in avoiding heartburn. It is also advised to avoid lying down just after eating a meal because this can trigger heartburn. The doctors recommend to wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before getting horizontal and then, when you do lie down, try to elevate your head with a few pillows to avoid nighttime heartburn.

Maintain a healthy diet

To maintain a healthy diet it is necessary to eliminate the trigger foods and incorporate foods enriched with proteins and less fat. The food items with protein fiber will decrease the symptoms of heartburn and prevent overeating. You can also chew a non-mint gum to produce saliva in the mouth and keep away the acid from esophagus.

Quit smoking

Smoking is another major cause of heartburn because it weakens the muscles that are responsible for preventing stomach acid from making its way to the esophagus. The weakened muscles could lead to recurring heartburn. When you quit smoking you will feel better and the treatment of heartburn or GERD could be easier for you.

Wear loose clothes

You may have to give away your tight-fit clothing if you’re experiencing  symptoms of GERD. Tight clothes may increase the acid reflux occurrences in your body. They create an unnecessary pressure on the abdomen area which increases the risk of heartburn.

These are some of the easiest remedies which will help you decrease the risk of heartburn and GERD. Just a few changes in your diet and daily lifestyle will give you a problem-free digestive system. 

Sources:

http://www.refluxmd.com/acid-reflux-remedies-2/ 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/what-to-eat-when-you-have-chronic-heartburn 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15530-lifestyle-guidelines-for-the-treatment-of-gerd

https://www.fishertitus.org/health/foods-to-avoid-with-gerd

https://www.aboutgerd.org/diet-lifestyle-changes/diet-changes-for-gerd.html