1. Watch What You Eat
While doctors believe that GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is caused by factors such as bacteria that cause ulcers, stress, weak esophagus, hernia, asthma or genetic predisposition, often what we eat aggravates matters. Sometimes just limiting foods that weaken the esophagus or stimulate stomach acid can help to relieve acid reflux. Food such as soda, fruits, tomatoes and onions stimulate acid production in the stomach. Foods such as chocolate, garlic, caffeine, alcohol, mint and chili peppers weaken the muscles or lining of the esophagus, making us more susceptible to acid reflux disease.
2. Watch How You Eat
When we understand that GERD can be caused by weakening of the esophageal muscles that help to keep stomach contents down, it makes sense to look at our eating habits in order to stop acid reflux. Often simple lifestyle changes such as eating smaller meals, chewing food better, not eating in the 4 or 5 hours before bedtime and keeping our bodies upright for at least an hour after eating can prevent heartburn and acid reflux disease. Additionally, eating in a rush, while stressed or with poor body posture can all prevent food from entering and remaining in the stomach.
3. Get Moving
Exercising the muscles of your abdomen, chest and upper back can help to support your stomach and esophageal muscles, helping to relieve acid reflux and prevent heartburn. Whether you do crunches, practice yoga or begin a full-body workout at the gym, regular exercise can be a great way to prevent acid reflux and possibly even cure gastroesphageal reflux disease.
4. Sleep on an Incline
Acid reflux disease is often worse at night, waking you up in the early morning hours, as a prone position makes it easier for excess acid to rise. Position therapy is one of the most effect natural remedies for GERD. Try sleeping with an extra pillow or even purchasing a specially designed acid-reflux pillow that is made to help stop acid from entering the esophagus as you sleep.
5. Your H2O Might Be Causing Your Grief
Chlorine may be a necessary evil to keep out water clean and bacteria-free, but unfortunately some people are highly sensitive to the water-purifying solution. It is extremely important, particularly with acid reflux disease, that you get your daily dose of 8 to 10 glasses per day, but your healthy habit may be causing your heartburn. Purchase a water filter that is designed to filter chlorine and drink only the purified water for 2 weeks. You may be pleasantly surprised to find yourself free from acid reflux for good.
