Acid reflux can be an incredibly uncomfortable and unpleasant condition. For some people, they might only experience it occasionally. For others, it can be a chronic condition that can seriously impact their quality of life.
You’ll hear lots of conflicting opinions and misinformation as to just what acid reflux is, what causes it, and how to treat it. We’ve put together a guide with some facts about acid reflux and some steps you can take to deal with it. Check it out below.
What Is Acid Reflux?
The stomach produces acid that is used to digest food. Sometimes, the valve at the entrance to the stomach malfunctions, either not fully closing or opening more often than it should. If this happens, acid from the stomach can rise up into the esophagus, which can create an unpleasant or painful burning sensation in the chest.
This is called acid reflux. It is also commonly referred to as indigestion or heartburn. Some people might never have acid reflux or only experience it rarely, while others might suffer from chronic acid reflux where they experience symptoms regularly. This can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Nobody likes acid reflux; it can be anything from an inconvenience to a debilitating condition. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can treat and prevent acid reflux.
Acid Reflux Medication
There are various measures you can take to treat and reduce the symptoms of your acid reflux. Medication is a perfectly viable method, omeprazole tablets work by reducing the volume of acid produced by your stop, effectively reducing acid reflux symptoms and offering up to 24 hours of relief. They do this by targeting a stomach cell system called the proton pump, which is involved in the production of stomach acid.
Eat Smaller Meals
While medicines are effective at treating acid reflux, there are also a number of measures you can take to prevent symptoms developing.
Eating large meals can put extra pressure on the valve that connects the stomach and the esophagus, which can in turn cause a flare-up of acid reflux symptoms. This can be prevented by eating smaller meals spread out across the day, easing the pressure on your digestive system.
The kind of food you eat is important too. Avoid fried, fatty, or processed foods. Instead, stick to high-fiber, watery, or alkaline-based foods.
Avoid Lying Down After Meals
Many people report experiencing symptoms of acid reflux when lying down, often at night when trying to sleep. This can lead to a disturbed night’s sleep which can result in further health complications.
The reason why acid reflux can seem worse when lying down is simple: it’s gravity. When we lie down, food has difficulty moving through the digestive system, it can build up at the base of the esophagus and create a burning sensation.
Conclusion
Acid reflux can be an extremely uncomfortable and pleasant condition that can be anywhere from an annoyance to a chronic syndrome. Follow this guide to treat and prevent your acid reflux.