Acid reflux is common when stomach acid flows back into the throat. It can cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. The lower part of the throat is a muscle that acts as a barrier between it and the stomach. When it works properly, it opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and then closes to prevent stomach liquid from flowing back into the esophagus.
However, it can flow back when the system is not working properly, causing irritating symptoms. The easiest way to deal with this problem is to use medication. In that matter, check the Dexilant generic price. On the other hand, there are various ways to relieve acid reflux symptoms without medication. We are going to introduce you to some of the best solutions in the following article.
Avoid triggers
Certain foods and drinks can trigger acid reflux symptoms, such as spicy, fatty, or fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. By identifying and avoiding your triggers, you can reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms. It is important to keep a food diary and note any symptoms you experience after eating certain foods. That will help you identify your triggers and avoid them.
Eat smaller meals
Eating large meals can cause the stomach to produce more acid, which can flow back into the throat. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help to prevent the symptoms. It’s also important to avoid eating within 2-3 hours of bedtime as this will reduce the amount of acid in your stomach when you lie down, making it less likely to flow back and cause a disturbance.
Eat slowly
Eating too quickly can cause you to swallow air, contributing to acid reflux symptoms. By eating more slowly and chewing your food thoroughly, you can help to reduce the amount of air you swallow. Additionally, taking a few minutes to relax before eating can also help to reduce stress on the digestive system and prevent reflux symptoms.
Stay Upright
Lying down after a meal can cause acid to get back into the throat. By remaining upright for a few hours after eating, you can help to prevent any symptoms. This can be achieved by sitting or standing up after eating or taking a short walk. That is one of the reasons why experts are always suggesting that taking a walk after a meal is the best solution.
Lose Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk as well. Losing weight through diet and exercise can help to reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a big difference in reducing the frustrating symptoms. On the other side, what you eat will also make a difference. We already mentioned the triggers. Determining some of them, and avoiding them will help you lose weight faster, while dealing with this problem at the same time.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can weaken the lower part of the throat, making it more likely for acid to get back into it. Quitting smoking can help to reduce the risk. Smoking also harms overall health, and quitting smoking will bring many other health benefits.
Avoid Tight Clothing
Wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, can put pressure on the stomach, representing another potential indicator of this problem. Looser clothing can help to reduce the risk. It is also important to avoid tight clothing around the waist, such as belts.
As you can see, wearing more comfortable clothes might be the right solution. If you are constantly in jeans and tight shirts, that might be the only reason why you are facing this issue in the first place.
Raise the Head of Your Bed
Gravity can help to keep acid in the stomach, where it belongs. For example, raising the head of your bed can help prevent acid from flowing back into the throat while you sleep. You can raise the head of your bed by placing blocks under the legs of the bed or by using a foam wedge pillow.
That can help to reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux symptoms while you sleep. Avoiding eating or drinking within 2-3 hours of bedtime can also help. There are many other reasons to avoid eating before sleeping, and it is promoted by most experts in this area, not only for this issue but also for losing weight and avoiding many other problems.
Chew Gum
Chewing gum can help to reduce symptoms by increasing the production of saliva. Saliva is alkaline and can neutralize stomach acid. Chewing gum after a meal can also help to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and promote swallowing, which can help to clear acid from the mouth and throat.
A Tea Can Help
Herbal remedies such as ginger, licorice, and chamomile have been used traditionally to help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Ginger can help to reduce inflammation in the esophagus and stomach, while licorice can help to strengthen the mouth and gut systems.
Chamomile tea can help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. However, it’s important to note that these remedies are not a substitute for medication and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It depends on the severity of the problem you are facing. In some cases, having a cup of tea will help, but more serious ones will require medication.
Last Words
It is important to note that while these lifestyle changes can help to manage acid reflux symptoms, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you experience frequent or severe symptoms, you must consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition, some individuals may require medication to manage this problem. However, many of these changes can often be an effective first step in managing this problem. We all know how frustrating it can be. In that matter, you can use some of these solutions at least as a first step before the doctor determines the right solution.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/9-ways-to-relieve-acid-reflux-without-medication
https://www.gidoctor.com/7-ways-to-relieve-acid-reflux-without-medication/
