WHAT IS ACID REFLUX?
Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly after you swallow food or liquid. Acid reflux occurs when the ring of muscle in your stomach doesn’t close properly. When this valve doesn’t shut correctly, acid from your stomach moves up your esophagus causing heartburn and a sour or bitter taste in your mouth. When the LES relaxes abnormally or becomes weak, stomach acid can move up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms of acid reflux and GERD include:
- Burning sensation in the chest (sometimes accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth)
- Chest pain
- Lumpy feeling in the throat
- Regurgitation
- Dry cough
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Many factors can lead to the stomach valve not closing correctly or fully allowing acid from your stomach to enter your throat causing uncomfortable stinging known as heartburn from acid reflux.
Acid reflux can occur if you:
- Are overweight
- Eat large meals
- Lay down after eating
- Snack close to bedtime
- Smoke
- Eat citrus, chocolate, tomato, or spicy foods in abundance
- Drink coffee, alcoholic, or carbonated beverage
6 WAYS TO GET RID OF ACID REFLUX
There are several things you can do to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Following these guidelines may even help eliminate symptoms entirely.
- Maintain a healthy weight. One study found that women who gained 10-20 pounds had a 3x increase in heartburn symptoms. Losing even just a few pounds (if overweight) may help reduce your symptoms.
- Avoid food/drink triggers. Fatty and fried foods, garlic, onion, mint, tomato sauce, alcohol and caffeine can trigger acid reflux.
- Eat smaller portions. Large meals fill the stomach, causing more pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Don’t lie down after eating. Eat dinner earlier or purchase a wedge-shaped pillow to prop yourself up if you must lie down after eating.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking can contribute to acid reflux symptoms.
- Monitor symptoms with a journal. Keep a journal that records what you eat and drink, as well as when you experience heartburn symptoms. By keeping records, you and your physician may be able to identify avoidable triggers.
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