Exercising regularly has numerous benefits that range from reducing the risk of heart disease to lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels. However, some people find it difficult to exercise due to acid reflux or heartburn. Although working out helps regulate digestion, people with acid reflux or gastroesophagheal reflux disease should consult with a physician before exercising.
Acid Reflux
Once you swallow your food or beverage, it goes down the esophagus and into the stomach. Before entering the stomach, the contents pass through a band of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter. This band of muscles tightens after eating and drinking to prevent food and liquid escaping into the stomach or the esophagus. Due to certain triggers such as swallowing large pills, eating spicy or fatty foods, lying down too soon after eating, smoking or exercising too soon after eating, the lower esophageal sphincter may prematurely relax causing food and liquid to escape into the esophagus.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, which is a feeling of burning pain in the chest usually under the breastbone. Other symptoms of acid reflux include coughing or wheezing, difficulty swallowing, nausea after eating, hiccups, hoarseness, changes in voice and regurgitation of food.
Exercise and Acid Reflux
Exercise that includes rigorous bending movements, jumping, running or lying down, may increase the risk of developing acid reflux symptoms if these exercises are done too soon after eating. Pub Med Health states that you should avoid lying down or participating in these activities at least two to three hours after eating in order to prevent acid reflux episodes. Energy drinks that contain high amounts of sugar or caffeine can also trigger acid reflux in some people.
Considerations
If you have heartburn or acid reflux, regularly consult with your physician, as acid reflux experienced more than a few times can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease -- a form of chronic acid reflux. Minimize the amount of exercise you do after eating, and make sure you stay hydrated to prevent acid reflux due to dehydration.
