What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is the condition when some of the acid content of the stomach flows up into the esophagus. A few changes in your eating habits and lifestyle can be worth it to treat acid reflux. Before moving deep into how to treat or relieve acid reflux let’s discuss in detail about why acid reflux happens.
Why does acid reflux happen?
Our stomach has hydrochloric acid or HCL, a strong acid that helps in digestion and breaking down food and saves food from bacteria. The stomach lining is adapted to protect itself from the powerful acid. A ring of muscle acts as a valve and lets food into the stomach. When this ring of muscles fails, the fluid of the stomach goes back into the esophagus. This is called acid reflux.
What are risk factors of acid reflux:-
It can affect individuals of all ages. Reflux can happen due to lifestyle factors. Risk factors of acid reflux are:-
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Less exercise
- Medications
- Pregnancy
If you are struggling with chronic bouts, you have natural methods to help eradicate the signs of acid reflux. If you are not able to handle the condition on your own, then it is best to seek help from an online doctor for the right acid reflux treatment.
Weight loss
Obesity can be a reason for chronic acid reflux. Losing weight is one of the ways to eradicate acid reflux. Losing weight can be hard but can be achieved and help in reducing the signs of acid reflux.
Say no to smoking
Smoking can impact the lower esophageal sphincter. It is the muscle that functions well to control stomach acid from entering the esophagus.
Cut down fatty foods
Foods that contain high fat are harder to digest and are the trigger for higher acid production. This raises the chances of acid reflux.
Have less caffeine and chocolate
Everyone loves coffee and chocolates. Chocolates and caffeine contain high acid content that can impact the function of the esophageal and result in letting the stomach acid flow into the esophagus.
Eat slowly
When you eat fast or your stomach feels heavy then you are more likely to locate the signs of acid reflux. Eating slowly, in small portions, and eating more often meals can help in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.
Stay up after eating
While sitting and standing, gravity keeps acid in the stomach where it should be. Online doctors always recommend completing eating three hours before sleep. This implies no sleep or naps after having lunch and no midnight food.
Move slowly
It is important to avoid heavy exercise for a couple of hours after eating. A normal walk after eating is fine, but a strong workout involving bending can cause serious issues and can let the acid go into your esophagus.
Rest with your head and torso high
Using a foam wedge for sleeping can help reduce the danger of acid reflux.
Here are a few home remedies for treating acid reflux:-
Lifestyle changes
A few lifestyle changes are always recommended by doctors that can work well to avoid acid reflux issues. A few lifestyle changes that you should adopt to cure Acid Reflux are:-
- Having less fatty foods
- Stop smoking
- Be in your ideal weight
- Wear loose clothes around the abdomen
- Don’t eat before you sleep
Baking Soda and Water
Using baking soda can be the best solution to reduce acid reflux. The solution of baking soda with water works well relieving the signs of acid reflux. It might be dangerous for heart health. Having too much soda solution can change the acid-base balance in the blood
Rikkunshito
It is a Japanese herbal remedy that individuals use to relieve the signs of acid reflux. It may help in treating acid reflux in kids and youngsters.
Ginger
According to some studies, ginger works well to treat acid reflux. Ginger helps in easing diverse digestive conditions such as loss of appetite and nausea.
Acid reflux can be painful if you do not treat it on time and can even result in serious health issues such as inflammation or tissue damage. You may feel extreme signs in your throats such as chronic sore throat, hoarse voice, and even heartburn.
When acid enters the structure too, it can even damage the lining of the esophagus, resulting in developing an ulcer. With time, your esophagus starts narrowing down and food gets stuck. This will raise the danger of choking and causing pneumonia. So it is important not to take the risk and get it treated as early as possible.
