Easy and Simple Ways to Prevent the Onset of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a common ailment. For years, it plagued well over sixty million people in the United States at least once a month. However, the number of those experiencing acid reflux is expected to increase during the upcoming holidays.
If you experience heartburn during the holiday season every year, perhaps it is time to stop looking for acid reflux remedies and check if mustard is good for acid reflux. Maybe you should look for ways to prevent the onset of acid reflux.
Here is what you can do to stop acid reflux and heartburn before they even begin.
Acid Reflux vs. Heartburn vs. GERD
Before diving into causes and preventive measures, it will help to address the issue of terminology. Oftentimes, people use heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD interchangeably. Although they are related to one another, they have different meanings.
Acid reflux is when your stomach acids rise to your esophagus and sometimes to your throat. Heartburns are symptoms of this ailment since the reflux feels like it’s burning your heart. Severe acid reflux is the main characteristic of the chronic digestive condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Understanding the Causes of Acid Reflux
The mechanics of acid reflux is simple to understand. When people eat, the food goes down the stomach via the esophagus. Typically, the esophagus opening closes once the food enters the stomach. However, in cases where the esophagus’ flap valve doesn’t close, the acid from the stomach travels back up the digestive tract.
Various factors can cause acid reflux. However, the usual suspects include the consumption of certain food, an unhealthy lifestyle, dietary changes, current medication, and anatomic issues.
Preventing Acid Reflux
One of the sure-fire ways to prevent acid reflux during the holidays or any time of the year is following the “rule of four.” It lists down four things you need to do during the day, during meals, and after eating to fend off acid reflux and heartburn.
Four Things to Do during the Day
- Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet
- Do not smoke or inhale secondhand smoke
- Do not have late-night meals or at least avoid eating heavy meals late at night
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Four Things to Do During a Meal
- Avoid eating fatty food, junk food, deep-fried food, and fast food
- Drink water instead of carbonated or citrus-flavored drinks
- Season your food lightly and avoid too spicy food
- Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of large meals
Four Things to Do after Meals
- Limit how much dessert and coffee you consume
- Do not participate in strenuous physical activities
- Do not take a nap or lie down
- Skip any mint after a meal
Conclusion
Acid reflux can cause you discomfort and ruin a perfect holiday celebration. However, instead of looking for acid reflux treatments, perhaps the best way to fight the ailment is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
The rise of gastric acid up the digestive tract characterizes acid reflux. An unhealthy lifestyle perpetuates the condition, but certain food, habits, and medications can trigger it. But if you follow the “rule of four,” preventing acid reflux would be easier, giving you better chances of getting through the holidays unscathed.
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